Reorganizations are often perceived as cumbersome and failing to deliver the expected benefits. The issue is that they are too often done "halfway." 

The success of an organizational transformation is primarily determined during the design phase 

Clarifying organizational functioning in an increasingly complex environment is a challenge for all organizations. Leadership changes, post-acquisition integration, major strategic shifts—these are just a few reasons why executives embark on organizational transformation exercises. But for a transformation to succeed, it must be based on a well-thought-out and structured design. 

The need for speed can lead to a rushed design phase and a headlong rush to "produce" a new organizational chart. This is a mistake. From our experience, successful organizational transformations rely on a robust design that goes far beyond a new structure: a clear vision of the operating model, reimagined collaboration mechanisms, and effective governance and decision-making processes. 

The benefits of a strong organizational design are numerous: 

Clearly defining the purpose of the transformation to facilitate buy-in and change management. 

Aligning ambition, diagnosis, and design to ensure the relevance of the organizational solution and ease implementation. Too often, transformations convey contradictory messages → nothing is worse for undermining team engagement. 

Involving key leaders to ensure teams take ownership of the new organization. Without a majority of leaders supporting the transformation, the chances of success are very low. 

Anticipating impacts and demonstrating a high level of control over the transformation to reassure teams and prevent skepticism (which is increasingly common in times of constant change!). 

In short, do not underestimate the importance of solid design. 

Take the time to make the right organizational choices and involve key leaders. Implementing a large-scale transformation will always be demanding and long-term work, but starting with a solid design will maximize your chances of success!