Why do 70-90% of change initiatives fail?

That’s a staggering statistic. 

In many cases, new leadership comes in, economic pressures rise, or the next "flavor of the month" initiative takes over. 

What’s happening and what can you do to counteract this trend?

And if you are a change leader, lean practitioner, or continuous improvement coach, how do you avoid this becoming a career limiting move?

To help us answer this, I invited Michael Bungay Stanier, leadership expert and bestselling author of six books, including The Coaching Habit and How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, to share his insights on leading personal and organizational change. 

Success in leading change comes not only from making structural shifts, but also from fostering curiosity and building strong human relationships.

It’s time to shift the failure rate to a success rate for your vision. 

Focus your energy on amplifying your influence and getting the buy-in needed from key people to create meaningful transformation.

YOU’LL LEARN:

•  How to reverse the trend of failed change initiatives
• What to do when others don’t align with your vision for change
• How to create agency in the people you want to influence
• Tips on how to stay curious longer to make a strong impact
• The importance of linking process improvement and people for lasting change

ABOUT MY GUEST:

Michael Bungay Stanier is at the forefront of shaping how organizations and leaders around the world succeed through focusing on curiosity and human relationships. He’s the author of six books, which between them have sold more than a million copies, and is best known for The Coaching Habit, the best-selling coaching book of this century.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/34
• Connect with Michael Bungay Stanier: linkedin.com/in/michaelbungaystanier 
• Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Sign up for Michael’s newsletter and podcasts: MBS.works
• Download my FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment : kbjanderson.com/katalyst 

TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 

01:04 Reasons why change initiatives fail
04:56 Two foundational challenges for leading change

07:38 The link between process improvement and integrating the people component

13:23 Two strategies to stay curious longer and create lasting impact

16:26 Tips to reverse the trend of failed change initiatives 

20:20 Steps to embrace your influence and create the impact you want when leading change 

22:31 Defining A and B list relationships

24:04 Improving the quality of working relationships

24:45 How to build BPR (best possible relationships) and keystone conversations to discuss how to best work together before diving into the work

26:13 Addressing challenging conversations to clarify roles and expectations upfront

29:55 One way to increase influence and build human connection for impactful conversations

31:11 Michael’s new project in launching a new podcast

Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - early registration rate now through May 31st! 
https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/