How to Influence the Momentum Killers in Your Organization

Every organization—no matter how effective—has momentum killers. These are the people, processes, or patterns that consistently slow things down, stall progress, or drain energy from the mission. Sometimes they’re structural. Sometimes they’re cultural. But always, they’re impactful.

If you’re not the top leader, it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of these obstacles. But great leaders don’t wait for permission to make a difference—they influence from where they are. Here’s how you can start identifying and addressing the momentum killers holding your organization back.

1. Identify the Real Momentum Killer (Not Just the Symptom)

A delayed project might look like indecision—but the real issue could be unclear priorities. A recurring communication problem might seem like laziness—but it could be a flawed process.

Before trying to fix anything, ask better questions:

• Where is this truly getting stuck?
• What pattern keeps repeating?
• What’s the root issue—not just the reaction?

Think of momentum killers like traffic: what you see as gridlock might actually be caused by something just around the bend. Be the leader who sees beyond the surface.

2. Start With What You Can Control

You may not be able to rewrite the org chart or overhaul entire systems, but you can control your process, clarity, and tone.

• If communication is the issue, lead the way with clarity.
• If decisions get stalled, come prepared with actionable data.
• If things feel stuck, find small ways to move the needle in your corner of the organization.

Influence grows when others see your part of the system working better.

3. Bring Solutions, Not Just Problems

Momentum killers often involve people—so approach them with empathy, not frustration. Instead of pointing fingers, position yourself as a partner.

Try saying:

“I’ve noticed this slows us down. Would it help if I owned this part of the process?” “What if we tried ___ to help this move faster?”

Leadership influence grows when you’re seen as a problem-solver, not just a problem-spotter.

4. Pay Attention to Cultural Momentum Killers

Some of the biggest drags on progress are unspoken. A culture of fear, confusion, or blame will kill momentum faster than any broken system.

Start by modeling what you want to see:

• Encourage innovation, even when it’s messy.
• Take responsibility when things go wrong.
• Celebrate small wins that reinforce values and direction.

Culture shifts one conversation at a time—and sometimes one person at a time.

Final Thought

Every leader encounters momentum killers. The best ones don’t just talk about them—they influence change with clarity, character, and courage.

So don’t wait for someone else to fix the problem. Start creating flow right where you are.

Need help identifying and removing the momentum killers in your team or organization? Let’s talk at natcrawford.com

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