Common Mistake:Focusing only on formal authority when driving change.

Written By Jennifer Fuelleman

Common Challenge:
Organizations often rely on the org chart to drive change.

But influence rarely follows structure.

Every organization has informal influencers:

  • Trusted peers

  • Experienced employees

  • Cultural connectors

These individuals shape perception.

When ignored:

  • Skepticism spreads

  • Resistance accelerates

  • Adoption slows

When engaged:

  • Credibility increases

  • Momentum builds

  • Adoption accelerates

Influence is not optional—it is a core factor in change success.

Leaders must identify:

  • Who shapes opinion

  • Who others listen to

  • Who drives informal networks

Engaging these individuals early reduces resistance before it scales.

Influence networks often determine whether change spreads—or stalls. Identifying and engaging these networks is a consistent differentiator in successful change efforts supported by LaMarsh.

Jennifer Fuelleman
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The Cost of Executive Ambiguity