“70% of change management fails.”

If you have been around business long enough, especially in the area of organisational change, you will no doubt have come across this quote. Perhaps, like myself, you have quoted this statistic before.

It is widely attributed to John Kotter from his 2008 book, A Sense of Urgency. His statement was,

“I estimate today more than 70% of needed change either fails to be launched …completed …or finishes over budget, late and with initial aspirations unmet.”

A Well-Informed Estimate

So, it is not scientific fact but an estimation. All the same, as the father of change management, John Kotter has a wealth of knowledge that makes it a very well-informed estimate.

From my own 30 years’ experience in organisational change, I believe that a failure rate of around 70% is realistic. Regardless of the figure, it is worth exploring how we can improve the success of change projects. Especially when you consider the amount of resources invested as well as the associated disruptions for employees.

My Video Blog

In my latest video blog, I discuss my two cents worth on the reasons why organisational change fails.

I’d love to hear your ideas, reasons and opinions about this topic.