Don't Do It Alone: Harnessing Internal and External Resources for Change That Lasts

Most change leaders fall into one of two traps:

1. They either try to do everything in-house.....or 

2. They try to outsource the problem away.

They either try to do everything in-house… or they try to outsource the problem away.

But sustainable transformation lives in the balance.

The “H” in the C.H.A.N.G.E.S. Framework stands for Harness — and it’s all about leveraging both internal and external resources to lead change with strength and sustainability.

Here’s what that looks like:

Internal Resources: These are your people, your culture, your shared history, and systems. They bring built-in trust, institutional memory, and aligned accountability.

But if you rely too heavily on internal support alone, you risk:

• Burnout among key team members

• Siloed thinking or decision-making echo chambers

• Missed opportunities for innovation or objectivity

External Resources: These are your partners, consultants, tools, and outside perspectives. They bring fresh thinking, specialized skills, and strategic acceleration.

But if you over-rely on external resources, you risk:

• Fragmentation or loss of continuity

• Cultural mismatch or resistance from the inside

• Undermining team ownership of the change

Harnessing well means weaving the two together. It’s not about choosing one — it’s about aligning them around a common goal.

The most effective change leaders know when to pull from within… and when to invite help from beyond.

That’s how creativity, collaboration, and long-term growth take root.

Real change doesn't live in either/or - it lives in the and. Internal strengths and external insights. Legacy wisdom and fresh strategy.

As you think about the transformations ahead, I'll leave you with this: 

How do you align your internal capabilities with the external support that helps you lead change well?

I'd love to hear what's working for you - and where you're finding the greatest leverage right now.