Innovation Isn't a One-Person Show
- Pam Stoik
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Over the past few weeks, two separate conversations stopped me in my tracks.
Two different people, from two different organizations, both shared something surprising: they'd noticed a positive shift in how teams and leaders functioned during my culture transformation work—even though they weren't directly involved in the process.
These employees on the "fringe" really caught my attention because they highlighted the reality of this kind of work: driving cultural transformation creates ripples far beyond the immediate work you're doing.
It got me thinking about a few transformation truth bombs...
It's a marathon, not a sprint. Forget the big reveal moments and instant wins. Real culture change happens in the quiet spaces—in how decisions get made when leadership isn't in the room, in the questions people feel safe to ask, in the risks they're willing to take.
Actions win. Your people are watching what you do, not just what you say. They're noticing every interaction, every decision, every response to failure. Behaviour speaks volumes and is the foundation of your culture.
Expect setbacks. There will be days when it feels like you're sliding backward. That's not failure—that's transformation. Regroup, refocus, and keep moving forward. If it feels uncomfortable and ambiguous, you're probably "in the zone." :)
Communicate. And then communicate some more. Keeping people informed at every stage of the journey helps to remind employees how far they've come and where they're going.
Staff are paying attention, even when you think they're not: to what you say, what you do, how you act and how you interact. It all matters.
Share the journey. Taking a pollination approach to transformation empowers staff to be part of the solution instead of "the resistance."
The most powerful culture transformations happen when people start changing their behavior not because they have to, but because they want to. Because they see the benefits of what's happening and want to join in on the action. When the shift becomes so embedded that people from every corner start to take notice. And THAT'S when your transformation is really making positive waves...
Want to learn more about how to build lasting positive change in your organization? Let's talk!
Comments