Making Change Stick

Cathie Leimbach • March 4, 2025

Change is one of those things that’s easier said than done, right? We all love the idea of progress and innovation, but when it comes down to actually shaking things up in our workplaces—well, let's just say not everyone is on board from the get-go.


Did you know that around 70% of the time, those big change efforts in organizations flop? It’s not because people hate new ideas. It’s more about feeling unsure when things aren’t predictable anymore. We like our routines!


So, how do you actually make change stick? Well, it’s all about how you sell it. Leaders need to really explain why these changes matter, not just for the company’s bottom line, but for everyone involved. Keeping everyone in the loop and being straight-up about what’s happening can build trust and calm those nerves.


Here’s the secret sauce: get your team involved early on. Show them some quick wins to get everyone excited. And don’t ignore the stuff that’s gonna hurt a bit—acknowledge those losses and help people through them. Oh, and don’t forget the training and support they need to actually succeed in this new setup.


The best changes aren’t about tearing everything down and starting over. They’re about building on what’s already great and moving toward something even better. When people feel like they’re part of the plan, not just watching it happen, that’s when magic really starts to happen.



So, think about it: how does your company handle change? Got a game plan for making sure your leaders and teams are all on the same page? If you’re looking to level up your leadership skills and tackle change head-on, drop Cathie a line at cathie@agonleadership.com or shoot a text to 440-320-3113 with “Workplace Leadership” in the subject line. Let’s chat about how to make your next big change a smooth ride for everyone involved.

By Cathie Leimbach May 19, 2026
Many organizations assume their biggest challenges are rapidly changing technology, customer retention, and employee initiative. But quite often, the root cause is people leadership problems. That’s one reason The Imperfect CEO by Jim Brown is so timely. Releasing today, May 19, the book explores how leaders build healthier organizations not by pretending to have all the answers, but by creating cultures grounded in trust, clarity, accountability, and meaningful conversations. Brian Besanceney, Chair, Board of Orlando Health, Inc., described the book this way: “Through vivid stories, real-world examples, and a model grounded in collaborative culture, Jim Brown gives leaders permission to wrestle honestly with the generational divides, misaligned targets, and cultural fractures that can too often sabotage high-potential organizations.” Greg Apple, CEO of Amgine.ai, connected the book to leadership beyond business alone: “In a fast-moving company, culture is everything. Jim Brown’s principles have helped our team lead with greater clarity and alignment. The Imperfect CEO distills those lessons brilliantly. Every leader should read it.” What stands out to me is how closely this book aligns with the principles behind Conversational Management. Healthy cultures are rarely built through policies alone. They are built through the quality of everyday leadership conversations — how expectations are clarified, how accountability is handled, how feedback is delivered, and how trust is strengthened over time. That’s why leadership development cannot stay theoretical. Culture changes conversation by conversation.  The Imperfect CEO is an easy-to-read business fable that illustrates common people leadership challenges and provides suggestions for overcoming them. Order your copy today and start building healthier leadership conversations inside your organization.
By Cathie Leimbach May 12, 2026
Chick-fil-A restaurants often receive far more job applications than they have openings. This is not luck. It is leadership. People apply where they believe they will be treated well. At Chick-fil-A, employees experience respectful communication, clear expectations, and leaders who support their success. That reputation spreads quickly through word of mouth. Leaders in these restaurants do simple things well. They ask questions before they assume. They listen to employees. They provide encouragement and clear direction. They notice good work and address problems in a helpful way. As a result, employees feel valued. They enjoy coming to work. They tell others. That is what attracts more applicants. Many organizations focus only on hiring. Strong organizations focus on how people are treated after they are hired. When leaders create a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and clear on what success looks like, something powerful happens: People stay. People perform. And more people want to join. This is what leadership really is. Would you like to see several leadership and culture practices Chick-fil-A uses to attract and keep quality employees? Click here to view: How Chick-fil-A Attracts Quality Applicants