Changing habits is challenging. This is true even for simple habits, even when you know they are important, and even when you have the best intentions. I experience this myself some nights, I struggle to motivate myself to brush my teeth.
So, why should you care about this? Let me explain:
Recently, I had a bedtime conversation with my 10-year-old daughter that made me reflect on this deeper truth:
Me: "Can you please brush your teeth?"
Daughter: "Did you brush your teeth? My orthodontist said it’s very important. You promised you would."
Me: "I’m sorry I didn’t keep my promise. I’m really tired and don't have the energy."
Even though I believe in good dental hygiene, even though it only takes a few minutes, and even though I know better, I still failed. "Dang it, I thought."
If I struggle to maintain such a basic habit, how can I expect teams and organizations to change far more complex behaviors quickly or easily?
Why Change Is So Hard
It’s tempting to think that change is just about willpower or knowledge.
But real, sustainable change whether in our personal lives or at work requires:
- Consistency over time, not just a one-time effort.
- Self-awareness to recognize when we’re falling short.
- Support systems that reinforce the new behavior.
If it’s hard to build a new habit on your own, imagine trying to shift the collective habits of an entire Scrum Team or an entire enterprise.
The challenge multiplies exponentially.
Organizational Change Isn't a Workshop
For the past 15+ years as a Scrum coach and trainer, I’ve seen organizations underestimate what it takes to change.
Sending leaders to a two-day Scrum Master course won’t transform an organization.
Hosting a few "Agile" ceremonies won’t magically shift culture.
Based on Patrick Lencioni's book, "The Ideal Team Player," we believe that real transformation demands a leadership team beginning with the CEO, who is:
- Humble: Open to learning and admitting what they don’t know.
- Hungry: Willing to engage in the real work themselves.
- Smart: Emotionally intelligent and consistent in modeling new behaviors.
In my experience, companies that achieve meaningful change have leaders who fully engage by completing pre-work, doing their homework, attending training, and treating learning as a crucial, ongoing investment.
The Takeaway
If consistently brushing my teeth is difficult, consider the patience, effort, and dedication needed to change the habits of an entire organization.
Change doesn’t happen because we attend training.
Change happens because we show up every day, doing the small, difficult things even when they’re inconvenient.
At the heart of every transformation is the daily decision to keep promises even when no one is watching.
What daily habits have helped you lead through change personally or professionally? How do you stay consistent when transformation feels inconvenient or overwhelming?
If this message resonates with you, let’s connect. Reach out for a free 30-minute consultation, and together, we’ll explore how to foster sustainable change and model the small, consistent actions that drive real transformation in your team or organization.
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