The Journey to Change Adoption: Lessons from a 3-Year-Old’s First Pedal Bike Experience

Working in the Change Management profession, I continuously encounter the challenges organisations face when adopting new processes, technologies, or practices. Yet, sometimes, the most profound lessons come from the simplest of experiences.

Change Adoption

Recently, my 3-year-old daughter received her first pedal bike for Christmas, and her incredible journey to riding it unassisted offers valuable insights into the concept of adoption.
When she first approached her shiny new bike, I anticipated the usual wobbles and falls that come with learning to ride. However, when she hopped on and rode away without any help or training wheels, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and disbelief. Genius? Absolutely! But this remarkable feat didn’t happen overnight. It was the culmination of a thoughtfully planned journey that ensured her success.

Starting Point: The Balance Bike

The journey began long before Christmas with a balance bike. As soon as she expressed interest, we provided her with the right tools to learn the crucial skills of balancing and steering. The balance bike allowed her to focus on these fundamental concepts without the added complexity of pedals. Day after day, she practised, repeating the motions until they became second nature.

This is where the first lesson in adoption emerges: the importance of laying a strong foundation. Just as my daughter needed time to build her balance skills, organisations must ensure their teams understand the basics of the changes they face. Offering foundational training and resources sets individuals up for success as they navigate new processes or technologies.

Progressing to the Next Level: The Brake

Once she mastered her balance, we transitioned her to a balance bike equipped with a brake. This adaptation gave her a new challenge while still allowing her to build on her existing skills. Learning to brake gave her a taste of what it felt like to have control, similar to that of a “big girl” bike. Each practice session was filled with excitement and fun, reinforcing her confidence and capabilities.

This highlights another key aspect of successful adoption: progressive learning and gradual challenges. Just as my daughter moved from a balance bike to one with a brake, organisations can introduce incremental changes in a supportive manner, enabling their teams to adapt and grow without feeling overwhelmed.

The Rewarding Outcome: Riding the Pedal Bike

When she finally hopped onto her pedal bike for the first time, her earlier experiences kicked in seamlessly. While it was a new endeavour, the skills she had honed—balancing, turning, and braking—made the transition smooth and enjoyable. There were no tears, only giggles of pure joy as she rode confidently through the garage and down the driveway.

Here lies the ultimate lesson in the adoption process: the journey dramatically influences the outcome. If my daughter had gone straight onto a pedal bike without prior experience, the result would likely have been frustrating and daunting. However, because she was appropriately prepared, she felt empowered and capable.

Similarly, organisations that facilitate a positive, supportive journey toward adopting new initiatives see far greater success than those that enact abrupt changes without proper preparation, communication, and involvement.

KEY TO SUCCESSFUL CHANGE ADOPTION

The key to successful adoption is not merely about the end goal; it’s about understanding and valuing the journey leading up to it. As leaders, we must prioritise building the proper foundation, introducing challenges progressively, and supporting our teams to ensure they are equipped and ready to embrace change. Whether a child learning to ride a bike or an employee adapting to new workflows, the journey makes all the difference.

To read our thoughts on the right time to bring in Change Management, check out our article here https://www.enablechangepartners.com.au/when-is-the-right-time-to-involve-change-management-in-your-program/

The Journey to Change Adoption: Lessons from a 3-Year-Old’s First Pedal Bike Experience

Change Adoption

Starting Point: The Balance Bike

Progressing to the Next Level: The Brake

The Rewarding Outcome: Riding the Pedal Bike

KEY TO SUCCESSFUL CHANGE ADOPTION

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