Movement: Tempo

Finding the rhythm that powers change

Ever start a new playlist only to realize the songs are all over the place? One track is slow and mellow, the next is loud and frantic. It is hard to get into it. You cannot settle into the rhythm, and it leaves you drained.

Teams experience the same thing in change. When priorities, decisions, and workloads feel chaotic or progress feels stalled or rushed, energy drops. Momentum stalls. Stress rises. It is not bad luck or lack of effort. It is a signal. Without a steady rhythm, the work feels exhausting instead of energizing.

Tempo is about helping teams find their unique rhythm. It is how you pace change so people stay energized, decisions flow smoothly, and progress happens naturally. When the cadence fits the team’s capacity, momentum builds without burning anyone out.

Why It Matters

Change that moves at a rhythm people can keep up with is sustainable. Teams can anticipate what comes next, make timely decisions, and feel a sense of forward motion. When pace is too fast, too slow, or unpredictable, teams feel reactive, frustrated, or exhausted. Progress happens in rhythm, not a race.

The Movement at a Glance

Core Themes

  • Setting a consistent rhythm for work so the team knows what to focus on and when.

  • Ensuring choices happen at the right time to keep momentum moving forward.

  • Maintaining progress at a pace that energizes without exhausting the team.

Energizing When…

  • The team’s workload matches its capacity and energy levels.

  • Everyone knows what matters most and can focus their efforts.

  • Choices are made efficiently, reducing friction and bottlenecks.

Exhausting When…

  • Work feels reactive or unpredictable, causing stress and fatigue.

  • Teams are pulled in different directions without a clear anchor.

  • Momentum slows or stalls because decisions or actions are delayed.

Playlists & Notes: Ways to Keep This Movement In Sync

  • Finding the Beat: Setting the Tempo for Change

    Define a cadence that fits your team’s capacity and the work ahead.

    Break work into manageable increments that allow progress to be visible.

    Align decision-making processes so choices happen at the right rhythm, not in bursts or bottlenecks.

  • Keeping Everyone in Step: Communicating Pace & Priorities

    Make it clear what needs focus now versus what needs focus later.

    Use consistent check-ins to keep teams aligned without micromanaging.

    Surface dependencies early to prevent last-minute scrambles.

  • Tuning the Rhythm: Adjusting When the Pace Feels Off

    Watch for signs of fatigue, frustration, or disengagement among the teams.

    Reassess priorities or adjust the cadence before momentum breaks down.

    Encourage teams to reflect on what is working and where the pace needs recalibration.

This framework is inspired by established change management principles and organizational psychology, and draws on my experience leading IT transformations. It is intended as a practical guide for reflection and action, not a formal academic model.