One go, is no go! It is not enough to assess whether something works. It is not enough to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a certain approach. And yet, this is what most of us do: We are willing to give it a go, but we jump to conclusions (too) fast.
A change in behaviour is similar to go for a run for the first time. The disadvantages are obvious; you are out of breath, it is hard, you are confronted with yourself and there is no space to enjoy (e.g. the surroundings). You do not notice that your fitness is improving, that you are feeling better in your own skin, that it is rewarding and that you can enjoy (e.g. your surroundings).
One go, is without learning. Purely by chance you may have chosen the perfect approach at the first go, but more often this is not the case. We also experienced this when in 2020, due to covid-19, we started giving online workshops. Whereas before covid-19 we only wanted to do ‘live’ workshops.
When we drew our conclusions after the first online workshop, is was without a doubt: this doesn’t work! We even decided not to do online workshops anymore..
But then Covid-19 stayed much longer than we expected and more online workshops followed. We really analysed why the first workshop wasn’t good enough. We adjusted our approach. Shorter, more dynamic, smaller groups, more humour. We used different methods. And we started going hybrid; where we postpone parts of the workshop that can’t be done online (in our eyes). We stopped limiting ourselves with the ‘online view’. And many more lessons and adjustments.
And really, every online workshop that followed got better. After our last workshop of 2020 many participants indicated that they were surprised by the online possibilities. And that it is possible to do an online workshop and remain focussed and energized. Some participants even indicated that after this session, they might even prefer online workshops (for some topics).
Because one go, is no go! You only start to learn when you try something 3 to 5 times. The good thing is, that this is also the time when the advantages become noticeable.
So do you have a New Year’s resolution or simply want to establish a behavioural change? For example saying ‘no’ more often? Or letting go of your need for controle? Give it more than one go, give it 3 to 5 before you draw your conclusion(s)! And if you are responsible for a behavioural change within your organisation or team, ensure that people really work on this at least 3 to 5 times. Because one go, is no go!
Do you want to read more about our view on change management? Take a look at this blog about changing = knowing + experiencing.