Common Mistake: Underestimating Risk in Cultural Shifts
Common Challenge: Misalignment Between Culture and Strategy
Quick Summary
Culture change is one of the most complex and high-risk forms of transformation. Yet too often, organizations underestimate the resistance it triggers. This article explores how to assess, address, and align cultural shifts using the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model.
The Challenge
Changing culture is not about slogans or values on a wall—it’s about shifting mindsets and behaviors. Leaders often treat it as an add-on, failing to anticipate the depth of resistance, the unspoken norms, and the influence of informal networks. The result? Surface-level compliance and long-term reversion.
Why It Matters
When strategy and culture are misaligned, even the most well-designed initiatives will stall. Without identifying risks to adoption and reinforcement, culture efforts become symbolic rather than systemic.
The LaMarsh Perspective
The Managed Change™ Model emphasizes the need to understand risk from the people’s point of view. Cultural shifts require deep stakeholder engagement, risk identification, and leadership modeling. By using a structured approach, change leaders can shift not just what people do—but how they think.
How-To Solution
Define the Cultural Shift Clearly
Be specific about what behaviors and beliefs need to change—and why.Identify Stakeholder Risks
Explore what people stand to lose. Autonomy? Identity? Status?Surface the Unspoken Norms
Ask employees what "really" drives behavior. These are your informal influencers.Equip and Model from the Top
Leaders must consistently model the new culture to signal commitment.Reinforce Through Systems and Recognition
Embed the new culture in how people are trained, rewarded, and evaluated.
Pro Tip
Culture doesn’t change because you declare it. It changes because leaders consistently reinforce it.
Wrap-Up & CTA
Cultural change is risky—but manageable. With the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model, you can reduce resistance and build lasting alignment.
👉 Ready to go deeper? Register for the Masters of Managed Change™ Program or Contact us for advisory support.