How to be fast and responsible in transformations?

Speed is an essential variable in successful transformations. It creates the momentum to drive change.

However, this does not mean that one should embrace the ethos 'be fast and break things', as this particularly in transformations creates long-term harm.

Instead address challenges at speed responsibly.

You don't need to slow down overall, just redistribute speed strategically. Take a breathe and run through the following critical steps (for weeks, not months) before you sprint:

1. Identifying the right problem to solve

Ensure you are not treating the symptoms only, but the actual root cause. Techniques like 5 Whys help—especially when combined with self-criticism and diverse perspectives beyond your immediate circle.

2. Building trust as you go

Trust is built on logic, authenticity, and empathy—and "show, don’t tell" is the only way to prove the latter two.

3. Involve people you don’t know – and those who know more than you

Overreliance on familiar colleagues limits problem-solving. For instance, often the stakeholders most impacted by the decisions are also the ones with the best knowledge of the problem. Bring them to the decision making table.

4. Communicate better

Build a credible story that is not about the financial impacts, but creating a better organisation. And tell it again and again.

What's your take? How can you transform fast and responsibly at the same time?

Inspired by F. X. Frei / A. Morriss, HBR 2025

Picture by freepik