In a McKinsey survey, 16% of respondents said their digital transformation had improved performance and sustained the gains. Staff in large organisations have often lived through several programmes. Their scepticism is usually earned, and worth listening to.
New tools, same risk
McKinsey's 2025 survey found 88% of organisations regularly use AI in at least one business function, while most have not scaled it. A wave of pilots without visible benefit is how fatigue begins.
Do fewer things, visibly
A smaller number of changes that people can actually feel will do more for confidence than an ambitious portfolio nobody can see progressing.
Report honestly
Status reports that stay green until the last moment undermine trust. Leaders who welcome early bad news are more likely to hear it in time to act.
