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Business Quote by Harvard Business School Press

“When is the urgency rate high enough? From what I have seen, the answer is when about 75% of a company’s management is honestly convinced that business as usual is totally unacceptable. Anything less can produce very serious problems later on in the process.” quote by Harvard Business School Press
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““When is the urgency rate high enough? From what I have seen, the answer is when about 75% of a company’s management is honestly convinced that business as usual is totally unacceptable. Anything less can produce very serious problems later on in the process.””

Harvard Business School Press

About This Quote

Source Book: Harvard Business Review, 2015

A crisis is recognized when a large majority of leadership truly believes the current approach fails, prompting decisive change.

In simple terms: Change is needed when most leaders see current ways as unacceptable.

Key Takeaway

Identify and act when consensus signals crisis.

Themes

leadership change management crisis decision making

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

advisory strategic

When to use this quote

  • executive meetings
  • board discussions
  • turnaround planning
  • process redesign

Key Concepts

organizational behavior risk assessment strategic pivot

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you gauge true urgency among leaders?
  • What steps ensure consensus translates to action?
A Different Perspective

If only a minority feels urgency, change may stall despite real problems.

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