The Secret to Organizational Change Programs: Understanding Context.

Every organization I work with implements some system to improve things—Agile, design thinking, and programs to improve inclusion and diversity. These are generally good programs. Yet, some of these initiatives lead to great success, while others fail to deliver on their promises. The key lies in the organizational context—the invisible foundation for implementing these systems.

The Role of Organizational Context

Consider this analogy: When planting a pineapple seed, the quality of the seed itself matters little if the soil lacks the necessary nutrients. Last week, I went to buy soil and had two options - a €1.19 bag and a €6.00 bag. When I asked about the difference, the store clerk showed me that the more expensive soil was thick, dark, and rich, with a pleasant earthy aroma, while the cheaper option was dusty, grey, and devoid of life. Naturally, I chose the €6.00 bag because I knew my pineapple seed would thrive in that nutrient-rich soil, whereas it would struggle and likely fail in the poorer-quality soil, no matter how good the seed might be.

In the same way, the seed you are trying to implement—be it Agile, Lean Six Sigma, or any other management system—is only as successful as the soil it is planted in, namely the organizational context. Although the system itself may be sound, if the underlying conditions within the organization are not conducive to its implementation, the initiative is likely to falter, no matter how well-designed it is.

Are you intentionally creating a powerful context?

If not, why not?