A Simple Exercise for Any Change Initiative

Without thinking, answer the following question as quickly as you can. Ready?

What color is a yield sign in the United States?

My bet is that most of you answered "yellow." If so, you are in the majority. But the correct answer is red. Yield signs were originally yellow, but were changed to red in 1971. That is almost 50 years ago, and yet most of us still think of them as yellow. 

I use this exercise with audiences when we are grappling with a change initiative. I usually ask everyone to jot down their answer on a piece of paper. This is best for introverts or for anyone with a fragile ego. Alternatively, you can ask everyone to pair up and answer the question out loud to their partner. 

The exercise is quick and makes a strong point from which we can jump into discussing ways to speed up the process of adopting change. I love that it can be used to discuss any type of change, no matter what the industry. 

Do you have a simple change exercise you'd like to share? Add it to the comments below or email it to me for inclusion in a future blog post. anne@caffeinatedlearning.com
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