--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The vast majority of large scale change…" description: "\"The vast majority of large scale change efforts fail. Which means that the probability that you have actually experienced a failure, and your people kn..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb1/john-p-kotter-7969_about_the-vast-majority-of-large-scale-change_2104287.jpg" --- # The vast majority of large scale change efforts fail… ![“The vast majority of large scale change efforts fail. Which means that the probability that you have actually experienced a failure, and your people know that and are pessimistic, therefore, about trying something again, is very high.” quote by John P. Kotter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb1/john-p-kotter-7969_about_the-vast-majority-of-large-scale-change_2104287.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb1/john-p-kotter-7969_about_the-vast-majority-of-large-scale-change_2104287.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb1/john-p-kotter-7969_about_the-vast-majority-of-large-scale-change_2104287.jpg) > “The vast majority of large scale change efforts fail. Which means that the probability that you have actually experienced a failure, and your people know that and are pessimistic, therefore, about trying something again, is very high.” [John P. Kotter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-p-kotter/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Large‑scale initiatives often collapse because early failures breed pessimism and reluctance to try again. **In simple terms:** Failures discourage future attempts. Key Takeaway Address early setbacks openly to rebuild confidence. Themes change management failure optimism leadership Mood cautious reflective Type advisory analytical When to use this quote - project launches - team restructuring - new product rollouts - policy reforms Key Concepts psychology organizational behavior risk perception Questions to Reflect On - How can leaders turn early failures into learning opportunities? - What structures sustain confidence after setbacks? A Different Perspective Overcoming optimism may ignore deeper systemic issues. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Change](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/change/) [Efforts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/efforts/) [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Pessimistic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pessimistic/) [Probability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/probability/) ## Related quotes > [In most organizational change efforts, it is much easier to draw on the strengths of the culture than to overcome the constraints by changing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-schein/in-most-organizational-change-efforts-it-is-much-easier-to-draw-on/) [Edgar Schein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-schein/) > [Change efforts happen when a firm is out of alignment with achieving its vision. 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