Leading Through Change That Lasts: How to Maintain Momentum After the Announcement

Many leaders think the hard work of leading through change ends after the big announcement. In reality, that’s when the most important work begins. Without ongoing attention, even the best change plans lose momentum and teams slip back into old habits.

This guide shows you how to keep change alive after the initial rollout. You’ll learn how to reinforce progress, maintain engagement, and keep your team committed to the new way of working - so the change sticks for the long term.

Why Sustaining Change Is the Hardest Part of Leading Through Change

The initial energy around a change often fades within weeks. People get busy, priorities shift, and old habits are comfortable.

Harvard Business Review’s research on sustaining organizational change found that without consistent reinforcement, even well-implemented changes can fail within the first year.

Your role as a leader is to keep the team focused, motivated, and accountable - long after the excitement of the announcement wears off.

Strategies for Leading Through Change That Lasts

Keep the Vision Visible

Tie daily work back to the “why” behind the change. Use team meetings, dashboards, and updates to show progress.

Celebrate Wins Along the Way

Recognition builds momentum. Celebrate both small milestones and big achievements.

Make the New Way Easier Than the Old Way

If the new process is harder, people will naturally revert. Remove barriers and simplify wherever possible.

Continue Two-Way Communication

Check in regularly to address concerns, adjust processes, and share updates. SHRM’s change management toolkit highlights that feedback loops are critical for sustaining adoption.

Build Change Into Performance Conversations

Make it part of expectations, goals, and coaching - not just a side project.

Common Pitfalls That Derail Long-Term Change

• Neglecting follow-up – Without reminders and check-ins, change fades.

• Treating change as a one-time project – It needs to become part of the culture.

• Failing to adjust – If something isn’t working, adapt instead of pushing harder.

Tools to Help You Sustain Change

• Reinforcement & Wrap-Up Tools – Activities to keep the change top of mind

• Change Conversation Timeline – Structure your follow-up actions

• Leadership Toolkit for Navigating Change – Resources for every stage of change

Your Next Step

If you want a deeper dive into specific situations, check out the other posts in this series:

• Leading Through Change: The Complete Guide for People Leaders

• Leading Through Change with Clarity: How to Keep Your Team Informed and Engaged

• Leading Through Change When Your Team Pushes Back

• Leading Through Change and Uncertainty: 7 Actions to Build Trust and Stability

If you need ready-to-use scripts, prompts, and activities to keep change alive in your team, download the Leadership Toolkit for Navigating Change.