Kotter's Short-Term Wins Framework
Generate short-term wins
Kotter's Short-Term Wins Framework is a process for generating short-term wins to build momentum and reinforce the change effort. The framework involves identifying and achieving tangible, visible, and unambiguous wins that are directly related to the change effort.
- Short-term wins are essential for building momentum
- Wins should be tangible, visible, and unambiguous
- Wins should be directly related to the change effort
- Identify potential short-term winsIdentify potential short-term wins that are directly related to the change effort.Pro tipUse a collaborative process to identify potential winsWarningFailing to identify potential wins can undermine the change effort
- Achieve short-term winsAchieve short-term wins, using a focused and disciplined approach.Pro tipUse a project management approach to achieve winsWarningFailing to achieve wins can undermine the change effort
- Celebrate and communicate winsCelebrate and communicate wins, using a variety of formats and channels.Pro tipUse storytelling to communicate winsWarningFailing to celebrate and communicate wins can undermine the change effort
A company identifies and achieves short-term wins, using a collaborative and disciplined approach. The wins are celebrated and communicated, and build momentum for the change effort.
A company fails to identify and achieve short-term wins, using a poorly planned and executed approach. The change effort is unsuccessful, and organizational performance declines.
John Kotter developed this framework through his research and experience with organizational change. He recognized the importance of short-term wins in building momentum and reinforcing the change effort.