28. DIY or DOA? Why Org Change Needs Outside Help
Rodney Evans and Sam Spurlin unpack why so many internal transformation efforts fall into a try–fail–repeat loop—and what it really takes to break the cycle and lead change that sticks.
At Work with The Ready · Rodney Evans and Sam Spurlin
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Show Notes
In a year marked by tighter budgets, leaner teams, and growing uncertainty, more organizations than ever are choosing to go it alone. DIY transformation feels safer, cheaper, more in control. But that instinct to do more with less is often the very thing that stalls progress. Because without the right structure, support, and space, most internal change efforts don’t just slow down… they spin out.
This week, Rodney and Sam pull apart the decision to “DIY” major organizational change. They explore why so many teams default to doing it themselves, what makes internal transformation efforts so hard to sustain, and the subtle power dynamics that turn strategic remits into order-taking. Along the way, they dig into what it really takes to get change moving—from alone on the inside or with a partner.
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Mentioned references:
- Ayurvedic eating
- RACI episode: AWWTR Ep. 10
- Bill Anderson episode: Brave New Work 68
- The Ready's Tension and Practice Cards
- The Ready's OS Canvas
- Future of HR model
- Rodney's problem solution fit article
00:00 Intro + Check-In: What is a DIY victory or failure you’ve had recently?
03:51 The Pattern: DIY Transformation tends to be “try, fail, repeat”
05:27 Why people decide to DIY change work
11:40 Orgs are designed to fight change
15:32 The deck is stacked against internal OD/OE/transformation teams
19:43 You don’t know what you don’t know
23:43 Challenges of trying to change your coworkers
27:00 Lack of authority and power kneecap real progress
32:10 Hidden financial and org costs of DIY change
37:44 Idea 1: Contract for a CLEAR remit, REAL customer discovery, and actual solution design
42:35 Idea 2: Don’t start with the whole project, start with a smaller leverage point
44:59 Wrap up: Leave us a review and share the show with your coworkers!
Sound engineering and design by Taylor Marvin of Coupe Studios.