E7: Why Most Change Fails at Work (And What To Do Instead) episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 26, 2025 · 22 MIN

E7: Why Most Change Fails at Work (And What To Do Instead)

from Work Sucks, But I Like It · host Tony Tenaglier

Ever roll your eyes at another “big change initiative” from leadership, only to see it fade after a month? Or maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “Why should I be the one to change?” Today, we tackle the cold, hard truth behind failed workplace change initiatives — and what actually works.This episode breaks down:Why "flavor of the month" changes never stickHow to build a critical mass that actually drives changeWhat real leadership looks like (and how it often fails)A 5-part framework for change management (that isn't just theory)The power of outside perspectives — and how to use feedback the right wayWe’ll also dig into insights from my PhD program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and share personal stories from the manufacturing floor — including that time I was told to make 15 parts a day... when only 7 were possible.This is for anyone who's ever sat in a meeting and thought: “This will never work.” By the end, you’ll not only understand why change fails, but how to take ownership of change — in your organization or yourself.📚 Referenced Authors & Sources:Carmazzi, A. (2019, June 21). Creating sustainable organizational change culture in 80 days [Video]. TEDx Talks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2XE87EoI7M Cross, J. (2013, March 14). Three myths of behavior change - What you think you know that you don’t [Video]. TEDx Talks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5d8GW6GdR0&t=1s Cummings, T.G., & Worley, C.G. (2019). Organization development and change (11th edition). Cengage. Falender, C. A., & Shafranske, E. P. (Eds.). (2020). Consultation in psychology: A competency-based approach. American Psychological Association. Wycoff, K. L. (2021). Consultation with a community-based organization serving urban youth: A case study. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 73(2), 163–180. Support the showWant to find out more? Check out the website:www.worksucksbutilikeit.com

Ever roll your eyes at another “big change initiative” from leadership, only to see it fade after a month? Or maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “Why should I be the one to change?” Today, we tackle the cold, hard truth behind failed workplace change initiatives — and what actually works. This episode breaks down: Why "flavor of the month" changes never stickHow to build a critical mass that actually drives changeWhat real leadership looks like (and how it often fails)A 5-part framework for ch...

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Ever roll your eyes at another “big change initiative” from leadership, only to see it fade after a month? Or maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “Why should I be the one to change?” Today, we tackle the cold, hard truth behind failed workplace change...

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