Four factors are associated with most successful initiatives. Having all four doesn’t guarantee success but missing one or more dramatically increases the probability that things won’t go as planned:

• Be clear about what you are trying to accomplish and why



• Engage top management support from start to finish



• Active and continuous involvement by those who will be impacted by the initiative



• Change only that which makes sense in light of the mission, i.e., don’t do things just because they can be done. Do them because they make sense and help achieve what you are trying to accomplish