Many change efforts in schools fail to create the desired lasting change because they do not consider the current school culture. This is especially challenging for a principal beginning in a new school. Using Schein's (2004) definition of culture, this article guides school leaders in diagnosing culture and creating an environment where lasting change can take root. It assumes a goal of transformational leadership as opposed to transactional leadership. Lasting change will most likely grow in an environment where the urgency for the change is demonstrated balanced with safety for the teachers and other stakeholders. Change will continue from its initial stages when a leader provides short term wins to demonstrate a vision which is coming to fruition and is beneficial.