Going All In: The Three Es of Effective Change

Cathie Leimbach • October 15, 2024

In their article "Going All In: Why Employee 'Will' Can Make or Break Transformations," Dominic Skerritt and John Parsons stress the importance of harnessing collective energy to drive organizational change.

They propose a three-step process, known as the "Three Es," to create the momentum needed to overcome challenges and achieve transformation success.

The first E is to Elevate a core group of employees from all levels in the organization to lead the change. Research shows that involving a significant portion of the workforce in key initiatives is crucial for achieving positive results. Companies that aim to involve 21 to 30% of their employees in change projects often see the highest returns.

The second E is to Empower a broad coalition of change leaders to embody new ways of thinking and working. Studies suggest that a small group of deeply committed individuals can create a powerful tipping point, influencing the entire organization's mindsets and behaviors.

The third E is to Energize all employees to change. Inspiring and engaging the entire organization is key for most of the workforce to become willing to change. Leaders must communicate effectively, explaining the vision and the benefits of the transformation. Studies indicate that leaders who successfully share the importance and direction of the change are more likely to achieve high adoption and stronger performance.

By implementing the Three E's, organizations can create a culture of engagement, empowerment, and collective energy, setting the stage for successful change.

Communication Gaps

By Cathie Leimbach • February 24, 2026
Most communication problems don’t happen because people aren’t listening. They happen because leaders assume clarity instead of checking for it. “I think they get it” isn’t the same as “they really do.” When people don’t clearly understand what’s expected of them, they make their own assumptions to fill in the gaps. That’s when rework, missed deadlines, and frustration show up. Strong leaders ask better questions: What do you see as the top priority? What does success look like to you? What could get in the way? These don’t slow work down — they prevent costly resets later. Try a simple weekly habit: Think about one key conversation. What did I mean? What did they hear? Where was the gap? Small awareness leads to big gains. 👉 You’re invited to a Leadership Conversation with other leaders to discuss common leadership gaps and how they quietly influence results.

How Managers Drive 70% of Performance

By Cathie Leimbach • February 17, 2026
Most CEOs focus on strategy, systems, and talent. But the biggest driver of performance is already in place: managers. Manager behavior influences about 70% of team engagement and results. What happens in everyday conversations matters more than perks, pay, or policies. Managers either multiply energy or drain it. Clear, supportive managers raise performance. Avoiding, inconsistent managers quietly lower it. The good news? Small habits make a big difference: Clarifying expectations Giving timely feedback Addressing issues early Reinforcing priorities These moments add up. Instead of telling managers to “motivate people,” try asking: Where might expectations be unclear? Where is inconsistency allowed? What conversation is being avoided? When managers improve just a little, results improve a lot. 👉 Join our 60-minute Leadership Conversation to explore how everyday manager habits quietly shape engagement and results.