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Being an Effective Change Agent: What Does It Take?. Steve Schenck Center on Innovation and Improvement. The Necessary First Step: Build Trust. Early on, change agents will… …scan the learning environment …keep their mouth closed, mostly, and LISTEN
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Being an Effective Change Agent:What Does It Take? Steve Schenck Center on Innovation and Improvement
The Necessary First Step: Build Trust Early on, change agents will… …scan the learning environment …keep their mouth closed, mostly, and LISTEN …build relationships with those who impact student learning
The Necessary First Step: Build Trust Early on change agents will… …arrive on-site earlier and leave later than school and/or district staff …model a strong, professional work ethic to the staff (walk the walk) …plan quick, authentic wins
Embrace the Negative • This may seem counterintuitive • This will, at first, feel uncomfortable • Do not burn one bridge • Choose no side (or appear so)
More of the Counterintuitive • The right thing…
More of the Counterintuitive • …at the wrong time…
More of the Counterintuitive • …is the wrong thing!
Build and Maintain One’s Circle of Strength • Someone MUST be the calm, civil, professional adult, even in the most dysfunctional environments • Someone must find the time and discipline to be reflective and forward thinking
Take Risks • Create and control disequilibrium in the organization, be it school, district, SEA or RCC • If no one in the organization is feeling really uncomfortable, a change agent or transformational leader is not doing their job. (Tears required)
Why? In low-performing schools… …teachers are inexperienced and/or weak. …leaders are inexperienced and/or weak. …the kids need change agents to intervene on their blessed behalf.
If you want to find yourself… …lose yourself in service to others. Thank You