Source: Harvard Business Review
Published: August 2009
Everything looks like a failure in the middle
Ever doubt a project mid-implementation?
According to Kanter’s Law, major changes look like failure in the middle. Initiatives run into trouble when momentum slows and conflicts surface.
“Everyone loves inspiring beginnings and happy endings; it is just the middles that involve hard work.” – Rosabeth Kanter, Harvard Business School Professor
In moments of doubt, leaders should:
Tune in to the environment. What’s changed since the project began? Is the problem still relevant?
Check the vision. Is the idea still exciting? (e.g., re-read the PR/FAQ as a team)
Examine progress. Are there early measurable indicators of success?
Search for synergies. Can the initiative bolster other internal or external projects?
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Did you appreciate the fact today?
That’s a great insight and a reminder to stay focus during a project regardless of what challenges you might face during the plan execution. Thanks for sharing.
Inspired by your post, i decided to write/share my personal experience - https://doniv.substack.com/p/everything-looks-like-a-failure-in