This morning we heard from a woman who works in curriculum development and implementation on the characteristics/qualities of an effective change leader. Interspersed within the presentation were some group activities that made us analyze our own tendencies, figure out what works, and determine how to build on those strengths and better support our weaknesses so that they, too, can become strengths. We honed in on what we expect a school culture to look like, and how best to support one another in a quest to be a cohesive learning environment.
Below are some notes I took, in snippet form; they are recreated here in the hopes that I’ll continue to reflect back upon them as the year progresses. [Additionally, I'll likely lose the piece of paper on which they're jotted, but the Internet forgets nothing].
- Own your actions, regardless of result
- Celebration is only authentic when you have something to show for it – don’t build expectations of success before success has actually been realized
- Sometimes the STATUS QUO needs a WAKE UP CALL
- The concept of impressive empathy means:
understanding the perspective which others have
being able to think “in someone else’s shoes” to determine understandings
modeling respect even and *especially* when respect is not reciprocated
realize that behavior is often situational; to change the behavior, first address the situation in which it occurs - Practice working against your own distorted brain – by
practicing humility & admitting/owning mistakes
create/foster a climate of openness and feedback of the critical kind
focus on your core priorities, of which there shouldn’t be many – the key is *focus*, after all - The implementation dip is real and research bears out that truth – figure out a strategy before implementation to address the recovery period, minimize the amount of time spent in the recovery period, and explaining how you’re moving forward and improving to concerned stakeholders (who may not have the benefit of all the information re: implementation of something new within your school/organization/subculture)
- Understand that: You will be judged. Judgement does not have to take the form of negativity. Constructive feedback trumps backhanded compliments – be direct and avoid belittling others if you want your feedback to be heard and taken to heart.
Any thoughts? Is it too jargon-y to make sense? Anything that stands out to you as a great idea in the midst of that rambling?
