A fascinating new study published in PsyPost reveals something many project managers know all too well — people often continue down a less efficient path toward a goal, even when a better one presents itself. Why? Because backtracking feels like failure, even when it’s the smarter move.

This tendency, dubbed “progress bias,” is surprisingly prevalent in business and technology projects. At Fischer Identity, we see it surface in nearly every Identity and Access Management (IAM) transformation—especially when replacing legacy systems with modern, configurable IAM platforms.

Teams start with a solid plan. The project is approved. Implementation begins. Then—somewhere along the way—a better solution is uncovered. But instead of pivoting, the team presses on. The path feels “too far along to change.”

This moment is a leadership opportunity.

The Real Challenge: Mindset, Not Technology

Modern IAM platforms like Fischer Identity offer robust capabilities that far exceed the assumptions and limitations of legacy systems. Most can:

• Seamlessly merge and reconcile identities from multiple source systems
• Assign dynamic roles, attributes, and policies to a single unified identity
• Synchronize changes in real time from systems like Workday, Banner, Oracle, or Salesforce

Yet teams entrenched in legacy processes often recreate outdated workflows in the new system. Why? Because that’s what they’ve always known.

This is especially common when modernizing IAM in conjunction with cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM), Student Information Systems (SIS), or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms. These platforms now offer highly structured, API-driven data that’s ideal for IAM integration — yet staff may continue treating them like static, batch-fed data silos.

Modern Source Systems = Smarter Identity Decisions

Modern HCMs and CRMs aren’t just databases—they’re intelligent systems that inform IAM about lifecycle events, job changes, or onboarding milestones with real-time updates and complex metadata.

For example:

• A “Hire” in Workday might not mean “ready for provisioning” until background checks are cleared.
• A student enrolled in one course might warrant different access than a fully matriculated student.

These modern systems can signal nuanced identity changes—but only if IAM teams are ready to listen, adapt, and make the most of what these platforms provide.

Psychological Safety: The Hidden Power Behind Agile IAM Projects

To benefit from these smarter tools and redirect project momentum midstream, teams need psychological safety. They must feel empowered to say:

“We found a better way — and we think we should pivot.”

This isn’t just project flexibility. It’s a leadership imperative.

Leaders must create an environment where redirection is not seen as an indictment of the original plan, but as a strength of the team. As the study suggests, focusing on future gains rather than past losses is critical. Celebrate these discoveries—especially when they require change. This is how agile transformation succeeds.

Reframing the narrative is key:

• Not: “We were wrong.”
• But: “We learned something important that moves us forward.”

When leaders model this mindset, teams respond with innovation, not hesitation.

There’s an old parable in leadership: “If you want people to build a ship, don’t assign them tasks—teach them to long for the sea.” When teams understand and believe in the goal, they will walk through walls to make it happen. Even if that wall is one they just built.

Plan for Redirection from Day One

Redirection in IAM projects should not be a surprise — it should be expected and built into your approach. Here’s how:

• Pad the timeline intentionally for “unknown unknowns.” Give the team space to explore better options.
• Normalize change as a part of the process, not a deviation from it.
• Make discoveries part of the celebration — especially when they challenge the original assumptions.
• Ensure close alignment with HCM, SIS, and CRM teams — they’re not just data providers; they’re key partners in building identity intelligence.

Lead Forward, Not Backward

Every IAM transformation is a journey—and sometimes the best path forward includes a few steps back.

Modern platforms like Fischer Identity are built for flexibility, configurability, and change. Your project plan should be, too.

Redirection isn’t failure. It’s leadership in action. Its progress guided by learning. And in IAM, where complexity and change are the norm, the real win isn’t just reaching the goal—it’s how you get there, who you bring with you, and what you’re willing to rethink along the way.

The most successful IAM projects aren’t those that stick rigidly to the first plan—they’re the ones that evolve. Let Fischer Identity help you evolve with confidence.

Ready to build an agile IAM roadmap with room to adapt and win? Contact us!