The Trough of Disillusionment

Everyone loves the start of a new project, especially if it's got "technology" or "transformation" or "AI" in the title. But there's an inevitable - and really tough - phase to push through; the Trough of Disillusionment.

Enthusiasm is high at first. PowerPoints are polished. Stakeholders nod in agreement. We can make real change. We will leave behind the mundane, day to day chores and we will bound, invigorated, into this exciting new challenge.

Then reality hits.

The shiny new thing turns out to be messier, slower, and more political than expected. Integrations drag. People resist. Benefits feel miles away. Progress feels non-existent.

Welcome to the trough of disillusionment.

It’s the moment when the hype dies, but the real work hasn’t yet paid off. The resistors resist. The detractors - often those who were only on the periphery and feel excluded - detract.

It’s one of the most critical phases of any change journey, because it’s where most projects stall or get watered down into mediocrity.

Why do we get disillusioned?

Because we confuse early momentum with lasting progress. Because under pressure, we revert to old habits. Because real transformation always looks worse before it looks better.

But this dip isn’t a failure. It’s a signal: that we’re moving beyond theatre into substance.

Getting through it takes:
- Reframing expectations that progress won’t be linear (and that’s okay).
- Ruthless prioritisation i.e. not everything needs to be done now.
- Clear leadership with visible commitment, not just lip service.

And patience, the uncomfortable kind (and lots of it).

If you’re in the dip right now, don’t panic. You’re in good company.

Just don’t let a temporary low dictate a permanent compromise.