Common Challenge: Underestimating the Real Threats to Change Adoption
Quick Summary
Change efforts often fail because practitioners overlook the step of quantifying risk. While risks are identified, they’re rarely measured in ways that support proactive action. This article outlines how to assess the level of risk and prioritize interventions using the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model.
The Challenge
Too many change leaders assume that naming risks is enough. Without scoring or ranking them, teams may waste time on lower-priority concerns or ignore the most dangerous threats. The result? Surprise resistance, late-stage course corrections, and reduced ROI on the change effort.
Why It Matters
You can’t mitigate what you don’t measure. By quantifying risks, change teams gain clarity on what’s most likely to derail the initiative—and where to focus resources.
The LaMarsh Perspective
The Managed Change™ Model guides practitioners through a structured, stakeholder-based process of risk identification and quantification. Risk isn’t a guess; it’s a data-informed decision.
How-to Solution
- Identify Risks with Stakeholders
Gather data on what people believe will be difficult or threatening about the change. - Use a Risk Scoring System
Score risks based on:- Likelihood (How probable is this issue?)
- Impact (How damaging would it be if it occurred?)
- Visibility (How obvious or hidden is the issue?)
- Prioritize the Highest-Rated Risks
Focus effort and resources on what will most likely and most severely affect adoption. - Create Actionable Mitigation Plans
Don’t just note the risk—build a specific strategy to reduce or eliminate it. - Monitor and Adjust
Reassess risk levels regularly as project conditions and stakeholder feedback evolve.
Pro Tip
A spreadsheet with scores can tell you more than a hundred anecdotal comments. Quantify to prioritize.
Wrap-Up & CTA
Measuring change risk isn’t optional—it’s essential. With the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model, you can move from assumptions to action and reduce uncertainty along the way.
👉 Need help building your risk mitigation strategy? Join our next Managed Change Workshop or Contact us for coaching support.
