Leadership for Change

Ten Best Practices For Leading School Innovation

# 1 Plan concretely
Initiating change in an organization often brings excitement as well as anxiety. A key component to bringing about effective change is a deliberate action plan. Needed resources are identified in the plan in relationship to time, money and personnel. The action plan includes incentives to move people forward and supports the skills necessary for implementation. The plan includes a clear vision based on organizational beliefs and a reflection of the schools own historical perspective. Schools that have successfully implemented the change process also include best practices based on current research.

# 2 Be selective
Should every innovation be done everywhere with everyone at the same time, or is it wise to set up some limitations from the very beginning? Being selective is key both to leading and assessing the change process. Leaders need to plan systematically and carefully according to the nature of the innovation. Specifically, selecting what to do, when and how, and with whom, needs to be done one step at a time so as to channel energies, to keep focus, clarify and most importantly, not to overwhelm. The will better ensure a successful process and adoption of the innovation.

# 3 Accentuate learner achievement

Accentuating learner achievement and well being should be paramount importance when implementing change innovations. Since most schools have a natural mission to enhance learning, it is imperative to make sure that we invest our energy in projects that support our core mission. As learners, both teachers and students stand to gain from positive change. It is possible to evaluate the impact on learners through testimony, interviews, photos, and written documentation. All these can answer the question, What difference are we making?

# 4 Disperse leadership
As we analyze the change process, it is important to identify the available human resources and determine the different abilities and talents of those involved. This analysis will enable an institution to encourage leadership among the largest number of people involved. Recognizing and acknowledging the variety of strengths and needs within an institution enhances the change process. By sharing the responsibilities, a teambased, horizontal approach to change, rather than a vertical, top-down mandate, will be promoted. Shared ownership of the innovation, a greater empowerment among those involved and increased commitment of the school community will result.

# 5 Educate about change

Although there is a large body of wisdom about change and change processes, that wisdom is not widely known. To decrease anxiety, and help clarify our expectations of each other, it is important that all who are affected by the innovation understand the natural progression of organizational changes. Even the most successful innovations have difficult seasons and predictable dynamics. It is both respectful and effective to share essential process knowledge with those who are implementing change.

# 6 Model the innovation

Many innovative changes begin as a theory or philosophy. It is not until the idea blossoms into action that the users have a clear vision of what exactly is changing. That is why it is essential that change leaders being to model the innovation from the very beginning. This does two things:
First, it assures that the first exposure people have to the innovation is a positive and reliable example. Second, it demonstrates commitment on the part of the leaders that they too will integrate this new behavior into their practice.

# 7 Monitor and communicate

Monitoring and communicating is a best practice for leading, implementing and assessing change. To apply this practice to an innovation, change leaders should use two key strategies:
First, they should periodically check in with all stakeholders to monitor progress towards establishing goals, revise timelines, provide resources, and encourage people. Second, leaders should maintain frequent and open communication with students, parents, staff and the community throughout the process.

Information about the innovation and its effect on stakeholders will help reduce anxiety and increase commitment to the change. Paying attention to communication and monitoring progress are two ways to ensure that change will not be transitory, but will one day become part of the way we do things around here.

# 8 Evaluate and adjust

Part of what makes an innovation successful is an honest recognition that even the best plan has imperfections. Events and personalities can make some aspect of an innovation go smoothly while other dimensions seem to create heat and friction without producing any results. Excellent organizations use the innovation plan as a working and living document. They constantly check present practice against the plan, and adjust one or the other to stay on course for higher learner achievement. A concrete plan provides direction, but it is critical to monitor and adjust that direction frequently, to bring people and their plan to success.

# 9 Respect individual change

Although organizations pursue and initiate major innovations, the success of any change initiative always lies with individuals. Since each person responds uniquely to the stresses and opportunities of change, strong leaders build flexibility and respect into their plans. Individuals who are given choices about implementation, scheduling or reporting demonstrate greater success, more complete adoption, and decreased anxiety. Since we count on individuals to carry out the innovation, the innovation must respect their needs and capacity.

# 10 Celebrate successes

Well-led organizations mark their success with celebrations. Since change is difficult and stressful, it is important to boost morale, and reinforce behavior by recognizing and rewarding those who adopt new practices. Not only does the celebration charge up the innovation, but it explicitly affirms the direction of the school and staff. Best practices of celebration include major events, and an equally significant number of minor celebrations in the course of the life of the school. Integrate celebration into your plan and you will find your school crackling with energy and innovation.

Ten Best Practices For Leading School Innovation

# 1 Plan concretely # 2 Be selective # 3 Accentuate learner achievement # 4 Disperse leadership # 5 Educate about change # 6 Model the innovation # 7 Monitor and communicate # 8 Evaluate and adjust # 9 Respect individual change # 10 Celebrate successes