
Leading Change An Introduction Washoe Academy of School Leaders October 24, 2012
Change… “People change what they do less because they are given analysis that shifts their thinking than because they are shown a truth than influences their feelings.” John P. Kotter Harvard Business School Author of The Heart of Change
Outcomes: • To examine the current tensions and opportunities that drive change in our profession • To understand how the magnitude of change impacts how it is led. • To explore two approaches to change leadership and their relationship to one another.
Alignment to PPGS • Standard 1: Strategic Leadership • Standard 2 Instructional Leadership • Standard 3 Cultural Leadership • Standard 4 Human Resources Leadership • Standard 5 Managerial Leadership • Standard 6 External Development Leadership • Standard 7: Micro-political Leadership
Discuss: What forces drive the need for change in schools? • Social • Economic • Cultural • Political
McREL on Change: The magnitude of change is defined by the implications it has for the people expected to implement it and/or those who will be impacted by it. The same change can be perceived differently by different stakeholders.
First Order or Second Order? Do stakeholders perceive the change as. . . an extension of the past? a break with the past? consistent with prevailing organizational norms? inconsistent with prevailing organizational norms? congruent with personal values? incongruent with personal values? easily learned using existing knowledge and skills? requiring new knowledge and skills? First-Order Implications Second-Order Implications
Phases of Change Create Demand Monitor & Evaluate Implement 1ST Order Manage Personal Transitions 2nd Order 2nd Order
Get Up and Move • Take 1 purple card • Find two other people • Read your cards and Give and Example • Trade Cards • Lather Rinse and Repeat
Responsibilities positively correlated with change perceived as second order • Knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment • Optimize • Intellectual stimulation • Change agent • Monitor/evaluate • Flexibility • Ideals/beliefs (rank ordered) (Marzano, Waters, & McNulty, 2005)
Responsibilities negatively correlated with change perceived as second order • Culture • Communication • Order • Input (rank ordered) (Marzano, Waters, & McNulty, 2005)
John Kotter’s 8 Steps for Guiding Change Step 1: Create a Sense of Urgency Step 2: Create a Guiding Coalition Step 3: Develop a Vision and Strategies Step 4: Communicate the Vision for Buy-In Step 5: Empower Broad Based Action Step 6: Generate Short-term Wins Step 7: Consolidate Gains- More Change Step 8: Anchor New Approaches in the Culture = Sustained Change
Expert Groups • Number 1-8 • You need: • Reading assignment that matches your group # • Poster Paper • Markers • You have 5 minutes to read and highlight key points • You have 15 minutes to discuss and draw Be prepared to share key ideas from your assigned step.
Change… “People change what they do less because they are given analysis that shifts their thinking than because they are shown a truth than influences their feelings.” John P. Kotter Harvard Business School Author of The Heart of Change
Checklist for Speaking to the Head and Heart • Make a compelling story • Use of metaphors, analogies and imagery • Use simple language and avoid jargon and acronyms • Communicate with what you DO not just what you Say • Frequent, consistent and aligned communication • Energy and enthusiasm are infused throughout • Careful use of data – don’t overuse • Do your homework to understand what people are feeling • Rid the channels of communication from junk so that important messages come through • High level of visibility • Bring the outside in J. Kotter 2012
Reflect Choose one of the frames for leading change that was discussed. • McREL’s 11 Responsibilities • Kotter’s 8 Steps Think about a change initiative in which you are a leader or participant. Reflect on one or two ideas that will be important to remember going forward based upon your learning today.