logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
41m 54s

233. Building the will to transform: The...

McKinsey & Company
About this episode

The way leaders talk about the goals and process of transformation has a profound influence on outcomes.

The process of transformation can challenge any organization that undertakes it. In this episode, McKinsey transformation experts John Parsons, Dominic Skerritt, and Mary Lass Stewart talk about the role of communication to engaging and keeping team members on board and energized throughout the process. The trio recently co-authored an article on the subject, Going all in: Why employee ‘will’ can make or break transformations.


Related insights

How to communicate effectively in times of uncertainty

To deliver a transformation’s full potential, put the front line first

The powerful role financial incentives can play in a transformation

How many people are really needed in a transformation?

McKinsey Insights on Transformation

McKinsey Transformation on LinkedIn

Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/

See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Up next
Today
272. Clear signals in a world of noise: The strategic realities of a new era
Uncertainty often dominates the headlines, but it is possible to cut through the static to find clear signals in the global trends and demographic shifts shaping the next era of global competition. In this episode, senior partners Chris Bradley and Andy West share their latest re ... Show More
33m 11s
Oct 3
271. Mastering the cycles of CEO leadership: Starting strong, and staying ahead
In this second episode of our two-part series on navigating the four seasons of successful CEO leadership, Carolyn Dewar and Kurt Strovink, two of the authors of the upcoming book A CEO For All Seasons, share insights drawn from top-performing CEOs on how to navigate the middle t ... Show More
44m 17s
Sep 26
270. Mastering the cycles of CEO leadership: Stepping up and sending it forward
In the high-stakes world of corporate leadership, becoming a Fortune 500 CEO is an Everest-like ascent, with only the savviest succeeding across every stage of the journey. Carolyn Dewar, Vik Malhotra, and Kurt Strovink, authors of the upcoming book A CEO For All Seasons, join Se ... Show More
46m 45s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 27
Don't Be a Statistic. Make Transformation Work.
Transformation isn’t a gamble—it’s science. Kristy Ellmer, a leader with BCG Transform, unpacks the research behind what really makes change work: involving employees in the journey, preparing for the “messy middle,” and building emotional and practical support into the process. ... Show More
22m 4s
Oct 2024
The AI Transformation Mandate, Part II
As AI continues to revolutionize industries, why are so few organizations prepared with AI policies and procedures? And what role should HR leaders play in this transformation? In this second part of AI Knowhow from Knownwell, Chief Strategy Officer Pete Buer and CEO David DeWolf ... Show More
39m 36s
Aug 2023
The Human Resource - The Benefits of Transformation
Doug Goodwin from the Center for Great Work Performance is back in this episode talking about the power of transformation. Teaching your team to understand how positive change can lead to improved profits and engagment is the message. Can your company afford not to equip your Sup ... Show More
15m 38s
Aug 2024
S5 E2: Change Management and Leadership Communication with Marjaana Toiminen
In the world of change management, having a well-crafted narrative is essential for guiding leaders and employees through times of transition. Marjaana Toiminen, Head of Change Management at Ellun Kanat, emphasizes the importance of a change narrative that is aligned with the lea ... Show More
16m 31s
Jul 2020
4. Enabling New Ways Of Working
Dr Louise Bright is joined by Dr Amanda Smith from The Professional Development Centre. In this episode, they discuss new ways of working for teams and good practice in communication and planning change. Organisations have had a rapid shift in the way of working, Dr Amanda Smith ... Show More
23m 17s
May 2024
The evolution of customer care: AI and the Gen Z effect
With the coming of age of Gen Z—both as customers and new entrants to the workforce—customer demands are changing. At the same time, the arrival of generative AI (gen AI) is changing the way contact centers can respond to those demands. In this episode of McKinsey Talks Operation ... Show More
25m 33s
Oct 1
Systemic Change Management—Making the Emotional Side of Change Visible | Tom Molenaar
Tom Molenaar: Systemic Change Management—Making the Emotional Side of Change Visible Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. "We tend to sk ... Show More
18m 16s
Feb 2025
Why Team Alignment Is Your New Sales Superpower
In this final installment of his three-part series on critical future sales skills, Bill Caskey explores the vital concept of team alignment planning. Bill explains why traditional approaches to stakeholder management are no longer sufficient in today’s complex sales environment. ... Show More
5m 36s
Aug 19
Geoff Woods | Tapping AI’s Power as a Leader
Geoff Woods, author of "The AI-Driven Leader," joins Maril to discuss what it means to be a leader in the AI space. He explains how AI can be used to grow businesses, sharpen strategy and rethink how we lead. Geoff shares how working with AI as a thought partner helps us solve bi ... Show More
35m 20s
Feb 2025
The Human Side of Change: Satir, Patterns, Systems, and Complexity with Don Gray
Have ideas for the show? Liked a topic? Let us know!In this episode of That Change Show, Jason sits down with Don Gray for a deep dive into the realities of change management—beyond frameworks, buzzwords, and rigid processes. They explore why change is messy, how emotions and val ... Show More
43m 19s