Every season, whether it’s the Toronto Blue Jays chasing the World Series or the Edmonton Oilers aiming for the Stanley Cup, a familiar dynamic appears.

Fans joke about the bandwagoners, “those who suddenly show up in team jerseys, cheering loudly despite not knowing every player’s name or the stats behind the season”. Some long-time fans roll their eyes, thinking, Where were you all season?

Yet, when those “bandwagoners” join, the energy and excitement multiply. Suddenly, there’s a collective belief—an entire city, sometimes a nation, uniting with one heartbeat.

This dynamic offers a powerful lesson for leaders about how to build true buy-in for change.

In every organization or movement, there are early adopters, the ones who see the vision instantly. They do not need convincing. They are all in, sleeves rolled up, ready to make it happen. These are your champions — the people who set the tone and build the momentum.

Then there are the late adopters — those who hesitate, observe, or even resist. The skeptics. Not because they do not care, but because they need to see it work and feel the value and results before they commit.

In leadership, it can be easy to get frustrated with the late adopters. To think, “Why can’t they see it? Why don’t they believe yet?” But here’s the truth: when the early adopters are thriving, celebrating small wins and creating positive ripple effects, that energy becomes magnetic.

Just as late-season fans do not want to miss out on playoff buzz, your late adopters are drawn in by what they see others experiencing.

That is not a weakness — it’s human nature.

Leaders succeed not by shaming or dismissing others, but by embracing them when they are ready to join. Meeting people where they are and welcoming newcomers with the same enthusiasm as early supporters builds unity. When everyone cheers together and belief spreads, real momentum is created.

So the next time you’re leading change, ask yourself:

• What can I do to keep my early adopters inspired and visible?
• What story, success, or experience might spark curiosity for the late adopters?
• How can I make joining the “team” feel inviting rather than intimidating?

Whether it’s in the boardroom or the ballpark, the goal is to build a culture where everyone feels invested in achieving success.

And when that happens? You do not just have a few believers—you build a movement everyone wants to join.

Debra Kasowski is a two-time TEDx speaker, executive coach, three-time bestselling author, and host of The Millionaire Woman Show podcast. With a background in healthcare leadership and a passion for personal mastery, she helps high-achieving professionals silence self-doubt, lead with confidence, and take bold, intentional action. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Organizational Leadership, Debra blends real-world experience with evidence-based strategies to empower others to live and lead with purpose. A triathlete and resilience advocate, she inspires others to push beyond perceived limits and embrace the power of choice. Learn more at www.debrakasowski.com.