Telling CEOs these days that leadership drives performance is a bit like saying that oxygen is necessary to breathe. Over 90% of CEOs are already planning to increase investment in leadership development because they see it as the single most important human-capital issue their organisations face. And they’re right to do so: earlier McKinsey research has consistently shown that good leadership is a critical part of organisational health, which is an important driver of shareholder returns.

How do you turn ambition into sustainable results? New CEOs and senior executives often take over with a mandate for change and a short window of opportunity. To create lasting results — and fundamentally improve the company’s performance — leaders often need to launch a transformation programme. A structured four-step process can help flip the odds in their favour.