Common Mistake: Sponsors Not Walking the Talk
Common Challenge: Inconsistent Leadership Undermines Change
Quick Summary
When sponsors say one thing and do another, employees notice—and the credibility of the change effort suffers. This article explores how to ensure sponsor behavior reinforces, not contradicts, the change message.
The Challenge
A sponsor announces a major transformation initiative but continues to operate in ways that contradict it—holding status-quo meetings, making old-model decisions, or ignoring the new values in action. The result? Mixed messages that confuse employees and breed resistance.
Why It Matters
Employees take cues from leadership behavior. If sponsors are not modeling the change, they signal that it’s optional or superficial. Without consistent reinforcement from the top, even the best-planned initiatives struggle to gain traction.
The LaMarsh Perspective
The Managed Change™ Model emphasizes visible and consistent sponsor behavior. Sponsors must demonstrate commitment through daily actions, not just words. This alignment builds trust, reduces resistance, and drives sustained adoption.
How-To Solution
Define Sponsor Behaviors Upfront
What should sponsors do to model the change? Be explicit.Observe and Course Correct
Provide feedback to sponsors when actions don’t align with the message.Make Modeling Part of the Plan
Include visible leadership activities in your change roadmap.Reinforce Through Peer Pressure
Encourage a sponsor coalition that holds each other accountable.Celebrate Alignment
Publicly recognize leaders who embody the change in their decisions and actions.
Pro Tip
Employees believe what they see, not just what they’re told. Sponsors must live the change daily.
Wrap-Up & CTA
If sponsors aren’t walking the talk, the change won’t walk at all. LaMarsh Global helps leaders align their behavior with their message to lead change authentically.
👉 Need help coaching your sponsors? Explore our Sponsor Advisory Services or Join our next Managed Change™ Workshop to learn proven practices.