Change is complex, and while we may be committed and even attempt to make the change, we fail for various reasons. The difference will typically go through four stages pre-conception to commitment to change, then making the change itself, and then maintenance.
While vital, we overlook the maintenance. How often do you budget to maintain your house, car, and body? Getting to the point of making the change feels the hardest. Changing a strategy, team behavior, and even our habits. We believe that when we do it, then it is done. And then we fail again.
Deliberately implementing a mechanism and process to maintain change will increase success. What are we doing to check in to ensure it is moving ahead well? Are we reflecting on possible pivots or adjustments to make it stable and enable it to last?
When we plan for change, build in the maintenance. It is the hardest one, and it is the critical element.
