How Change Really Works (seven Science-based Principles For Transforming Your Organization)

Companies have never invested more in transformation—or wasted more on failed attempts. Finally, a science-based, practical guide to making change stick.

Market volatility. AI. Regulatory uncertainty. Geopolitical risk. Leaders know they must adapt faster than ever—yet most transformation programs still fail to deliver their expected outcomes, with enormous costs to companies, shareholders, and the broader economy.

But some companies do succeed. In How Change Really Works, Boston Consulting Group experts Julia Dhar, Kristy R. Ellmer, and Philip Jameson show that these successes aren''t random—they''re connected by a common set of principles and practices. Interweaving rich examples, decades of research in behavioral science, interviews with executives and employees, and their own experience leading change, Dhar, Ellmer, and Jameson offer seven principles that form the core of a truly human-centered approach to successful organizational change. Admonitions such as "Get true agreement, not false alignment"; "Give people agency, not just involvement"; and "Expect take up to be earned, not automatic" are some of the principles that offer a fresh look at what it takes to really change an organization.

The second part of the book moves into execution mode, providing a five-phase guide—informed by science and packed with tips, checklists, and hacks—that will help your transformation beat the odds and succeed.

Change doesn''t fail because people resist; it fails because leaders misunderstand how people really change. Whether you''re launching a new change program or stuck in a stalled one, How Change Really Works is your essential guide.

Advance Praise for How Change Really Works:

"Julia Dhar, Kristy Ellmer, and Philip Jameson, who have led and enabled change at hundreds of companies, are uniquely qualified to write this book. Their insights and tools maximize companies'' ability to find the light during large-scale change, guiding them to recognized success." — Lynne Biggar, former Global Chief Marketing Officer, Visa

"One of the most important elements of a successful transformation is making change stick. How Change Really Works moves beyond the typical strategies and offers seven actionable, evidence-based principles that focus on what motivates behavior and decision-making within an organization. A must-read for every leader." — Sigal Zarmi, former Global Head of Transformation, Managing Director, and International CIO, Morgan Stanley; former CIO, PwC; former CIO, GE Capital (Americas)

"Practical advice for business leaders who are doing the hard work of change." — Elaine Boltz, former Executive Vice President, COO, and Chief Transformation Officer, Crocs

"A new prescription for the old problem of change, combining scientific insight with practical guidance." — Francisco Jiménez Sirvent, Global Chief Financial and Integration Officer, IVI RMA Global

"A clear, human-centered guide to organizational change that replaces slogans with actionable steps. Grounded in deep insight into how people actually experience transformation, How Change Really Works offers principles that leaders can apply to ensure change is embraced—making it real, durable, and impactful." — Francisco Crespo, former Chief Growth Officer, Coca-Cola Company

Julia Dhar is a global authority on behavioral science in leadership and organizational change. A Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consult