Being an Effective Change Agent: What Does It Take?

1
Being an Effective Change AgentWhat Does
It Take?

• Steve Schenck
• Center on Innovation and Improvement

2
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

3
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

4
Embrace the Negative

• This may seem counterintuitive
• This will, at first, feel uncomfortable
• Do not burn one bridge
• Choose no side (or appear so)

5
More of the Counterintuitive

• The right thing

6
More of the Counterintuitive

• at the wrong time

7
More of the Counterintuitive

• is the wrong thing!

8
Build and Maintain Ones 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

9
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)

10
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.

11
If you want to find yourself

• lose yourself in service to others.
• Thank You