How can leaders successfully drive organizational transformation while maintaining team engagement and productivity?

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizational transformation has become a necessity rather than a choice. However, leaders face a significant challenge: How can they drive change while keeping their teams engaged and productive? Recent studies show that 70% of transformation initiatives fail, often due to employee resistance and disengagement. As we enter 2025, the need for innovative engagement strategies is more critical than ever, with highly engaged teams showing 18% higher productivity and 23% greater profitability.

To address this pressing issue, we’ve gathered insights from industry experts. Our first contributor, Itai Green, brings a valuable perspective on successfully navigating organizational change while maintaining team performance. As business leaders and event planners seek guidance on this crucial topic, Green’s expertise offers practical strategies for balancing transformation and engagement in the modern workplace.

Let’s explore Green’s approach to this complex challenge:

Itai Green

Itai Green, Founder and CEO of Innovate Israel and a leading authority on corporate open innovation addresses the question: How can leaders successfully drive organizational transformation while maintaining team engagement and productivity? Green emphasizes that this challenge is achievable through a top-down approach where leaders demonstrate unwavering commitment to the transformation process.

“The leaders should be committed to the transformation and to the whole process. And while the employees would see that they would follow,” Green states. He outlines several key strategies:

1. Skill Development: Invest in courses and training programs that benefit both the company and employees’ personal growth, especially in the era of AI revolution.
2. Open Communication: Maintain transparent dialogue between employees and high-level management to ensure active engagement in the transformation process.
3. Clear KPIs: Establish and communicate measurable milestones to track progress throughout the transformation.
4. Recognition: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate employees’ contributions to boost morale and motivation.

Green stresses the importance of creating value for employees beyond their current roles, stating, “Individuals would love to learn and to get more value for themselves in their next and future occupations and future positions.” This approach not only drives organizational change but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth.

As organizations continue to navigate complex transformations, Green’s insights offer a roadmap for leaders to balance change with team engagement. By implementing these strategies, companies can drive successful transformations while maintaining productivity and employee satisfaction.