Lead Change with Integrity: The Power of Change Principles

Trust is Built—or Broken—During Change

When change sweeps through an organization, people don’t just look at the strategy—they look at the leaders.

Are you walking the talk? Are decisions aligned with the organization’s values? Are we safe to speak up? This is where Change Principles make all the difference.

These principles are not just lofty statements—they are behavioral commitments that guide how change will be led and experienced. They shape whether your transformation will inspire trust or unravel it.

Why Change Principles Matter

• Prosci’s research shows that change success depends on people engaging with the change, not just the project plan.
• The Centre for Creative Leadership emphasizes that “how change is led is as important as what is being changed.” Their work highlights the importance of psychological safety, clarity, and trust during transitions.
• Change Principles help provide this clarity. They tell people: “What can I expect?” “What does effective leadership look like during this change?” “What behaviours are non-negotiable?”

Used well, these principles anchor your change initiative in shared values, elevate leadership expectations, and provide teams with confidence and stability in uncertain times.

What Effective Change Principles Look Like