Avoiding Change Mistakes: I Only Have So Much Time—How to Prioritize the Work

Common Mistake: Too Many Tasks, Not Enough Impact

With limited time and resources, it’s tempting to focus on what’s most visible—communication plans, slide decks, or stakeholder meetings. But without a clear way to prioritize based on impact, urgent work often overtakes important work.

🔍 Why It Matters 

When everything is a priority, nothing is. Poor prioritization leads to:

• Misallocated effort

• Burnout for change leaders

• Gaps in support for critical groups

• Missed opportunities to reduce risk

The LaMarsh Perspective 

The Managed Change™ Model is built on risk-based prioritization. We focus on where people-related risk is highest—and where support is most needed. That way, change leaders act strategically, not reactively.

How-To Solution: Prioritize What Drives Adoption

1. Start with Risk Assessment
   Identify which individuals or groups are most likely to resist or struggle. Focus efforts there.

2. Segment Your Stakeholders
   Not all stakeholders need the same level of attention. Use criteria like impact level and influence to segment and focus.

3. Map Tasks to Adoption Goals
   Ask: Does this action help someone adopt the change? If not, deprioritize it.

4. Sequence, Don’t Stack
   Not everything has to happen at once. Organize tasks in logical phases tied to project milestones.

5. Reassess Weekly
   Change conditions constantly evolve. Build time to reevaluate and reallocate your efforts based on fresh data.

💬 Pro tip

If you only have 10 hours for change management this week, spend 8 of them on the people and risks that could derail adoption—not on general communication or admin.

Final Thought 

Time is limited, but impact doesn’t have to be. The LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model helps you prioritize what matters most to drive lasting adoption.

Want help building a prioritized plan? 

Join our next Managed Change Workshop or connect with us for advisory support.