This #5Tips4LMS blog series provides tips and tools for adopting and implementing a Learning Management System at your school. The leadership tips are based on Andy Stanley's books Visoneering and Making Vision Stick as well as John Kotter's book Leading Change.
Find links to these and other books here. Part 1: A Problem and A Solution Part 2: Create Momentum Part 3: Cast a Vision Cast a Vision: A golf ball Picture
You can see something that others can't yet envision. You have a picture of what a school incorporating technology meaningfully and impacting student learning looks like. You are the only one with this vision, so you have to be the one to cast it in all directions.
This video illustrates your vision - it is a TV commercial celebrating Jordan Spieth's FedEx Cup win. Take a minute to watch it before you keep reading. Watch it twice actually. The first time, take it all in. The second time, notice that it starts with only ONE golf ball and count how many seconds it takes for the image to come into focus. This video embodies these Truths about Vision:
The work behind the vision
There is a lot of work behind a vision. Since you are the Vision Holder you have to direct each person in their contribution to the larger vision. Just imagine how this mosaic artist got others to envision the Jordan Spieth image before it was created. Golf balls? In the shape of Jordan Spieth? You're crazy! But he told them what to do and where to put each ball. And the mosaic came to life. Bring your vision to life by crafting a framework for teachers to work in so that they are constantly contributing to the vision.
State it Simply
Andy Stanley names four stages of casting a vision and stage one is to simplify your vision until it is mobile, accessible, and clear enough to use as a filter.
Vision: Use technology to achieve learning goals Questions that drive the vision:
Once you have the technology integration vision simplified you can begin to communicate it to all stake holders. Casting the Vision Up and Down the Ladder
You are the only one who can see this vision that you have crafted. Remember the Jordan Spieth image - the others can only see the first golf ball. You have to find a way to communicate this vision to everyone around you - even those above you in the chain of command.
Communicate to Stakeholders:
One time is not enough
Remember: You are the keeper of the vision. Absolutely no one else can see it or articulate it the way that you can (it's not about being better than anyone; it is truly just about being able to envision something that others cannot yet see). So therefore, you can't just say it once and think you are done. You have to continually cast the vision.
This means that every time you have an opportunity to share your vision with a leader in your school, you do it. Yes, you will sound like a broken record. At least they will know that you are consistent and serious about this effort and change. You will get push back - from pretty much everyone in the stakeholder list. You keep that record spinning and keep sharing the vision. It will take months and even years before people can see even a few more golf balls in the vision. You have to embrace the leadership role of casting the vision constantly. Make your vision come to life
Nothing works better as a way to communicate your vision than concrete examples. You need to look for the bright spots as Chip and Dan Heath talk about in their amazing change management book, Switch.
Find examples of teachers in your school using technology to meet their learning goals. Find them and highlight them in every avenue you can. In a blog post, in a faculty email, in a staff meeting, in an article for the website. Find ways to emphasize what this change looks like when it is done right and how it transforms the classroom when it is used well. You create a win-win situation because you have praised a teacher for his hard work and encouraged him in his efforts toward making change in his classroom. But you've also shown the rest of the staff or community what success looks like. Find ways to celebrate your teachers and raise them up as exemplars and models for others. |
About AllisonAllison is an K-12 Instructional Coach. Her goal is to empower educators to grow continually. Recent Posts#5Tips4LMS Series
Cast a Vision Create Momentum A Problem and a Solution HIGHLIGHTED POSTS Re-Center on Vision Letting Go of Control The Power of Positive Feedback Inspiring a Love of Reading Turning Ideas into Habits The Truth About Writing This I Believe Essay Quiet Leadership Qualities Thinking About New Ideas Goals Provide Focus The Power of Twitter Use Storify to Organize Tweets Build a PLN Categories
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