Embrace the Remix: Blending Familiar with New for Successful Change
Like many of you, I'm a huge music fan. There's nothing quite like listening to a new release on Friday mornings - it's a ritual I've happily passed down to my daughter, who now requests her "DJ Dad" to spin tracks from Michael Jackson or New Edition.
One thing that has struck me is how many of the biggest hits aren’t original compositions, but remixes or samples built on familiar classics. It resonates because people love the recognizable alongside the new.
The Change Resistance Problem
With a 78% failure rate, transformation is even harder than expected, confirming how tough it is to transform an organization. (Harvard Business Review, 2021).
Only 34% of employees trust their organization's change initiatives (Change Management Review).
Reframing Culture Change as a “Culture Remix”
Instead of a complete overhaul, reframe it as a “culture remix”—blending the values familiar with strategic evolution. This approach can increase engagement and buy-in.
3 Steps for a Successful Remix
Be Clear and Transparent.
Clearly articulate goals.
Share openly and communicate in a relatable way.
2. Identify and Preserve Value.
Keep what provides value (policies, programs, offerings).
Remove what no longer serves the organization.
3. Bring Everyone Along.
Honor past contributors.
Involve tenured staff in shaping the future.
By remixing your culture, you can drive meaningful change that resonates. This approach not only fosters engagement but also builds a strong, unified culture that everyone can support.