Five reasons why your change isn't working

Your Change Isn't Working: Let the Knoster Model Show You Why

You launch a change. It makes sense. It’s well-intentioned. But somehow… it hits a wall. People are confused, stressed, or just not on board.

The Knoster Model can help you understand why. It identifies five key ingredients for successful change and if even one is missing, things can go sideways.

Let’s walk through it, using a return-to-office scenario:

1. Lack of vision = confusion

Typical reaction: “Why are we back in the office four days a week? Remote was working fine!”

Without a clear vision, people feel lost. It’s like packing your bags without knowing if it’s a beach trip or a ski weekend.

What to do: Clearly communicate the “why” benefits like stronger collaboration or company culture.

2. Lack of skills = anxiety

Cue the concern: “How am I going to juggle work, family, and commuting again?”

People worry when they don’t feel prepared. And after months of remote work, returning in person can feel overwhelming.

What to do: Offer support—training, coaching, tips for hybrid work-life balance.

3. Lack of incentives = resistance

The internal voice says: “What’s in it for me?”

Without motivation, people go through the motions and doing the bare minimum with no real engagement.

What to do: Highlight personal benefits: better workspaces, flexible hours, real appreciation… even muffins.

4. Lack of resources = frustration

Where are we supposed to sit? The meeting rooms are full!” Intentions collapse without tools or space. That’s when grumbling begins.

What to do: Provide what’s needed: desks, digital tools, parking, coffee… whatever helps.

5. Lack of an action plan = false start

“Wait, are we starting now? What’s the process?” No plan = chaos. Even the most willing team can get stuck.

What to do: Build a clear roadmap. With steps. And dates. And updates. Lots of updates.

Change needs more than a good idea, it needs structure, support, and clarity. Missing one piece is like rowing a boat with one oar—you spin in circles and never move forward.

So next time, bring the full Knoster recipe: Vision, Skills, Incentives, Resources, Action Plan. And lead the way smoothly and together.