Monday, April 18, 2016

Adjust and Adapt - Part 1 of 3

This post is the first in a three-part series. Adjust and Adapt is the fourth component from The R-Factor from Focus 3 Culture. Introducing change is complicated enough. Talking about it and its implications can be that much more of a challenge. The next post will focus on "Getting Your Mind Right (to change)" and the third post will address our response to change. Credit is given and gratitude expressed to Tim and Brian Kight, founders of Focus 3 Culture, for their expertise and passion for driving leaders.



A new week has arrived and new opportunities will present themselves.

For our community of lead learners, our teachers, we will engage in an intentional conversation about our evolving culture and climate. We will engage ourselves in a conversation about change. The kind of change that moves us to be better at our craft. The kind of change that can be uncomfortable.

Change is intimidating. The thought of taking a constant and adding chaos is frightening. As educators we tend to work through our week knowing the events of each day. We plan our lessons, we set our goals for learning and we push ourselves to support our students.

Success goes to those that respond to change. (Tim Kight)

Change, however, can also be invigorating. It brings excitement. The potential of fresh ideas and a new lens to what could be old and stagnant will bring a pulse to lessons once considered to be scripted and routine. Change allows for our minds to move away from our comfort zones. Our four walls of learning, of teaching, will be expanded if we are open to the idea of change.

With change, we have to adjust and adapt.
Change is a necessary part of life and work. It is a constant reality that it is not going away. In fact, change is speeding up, not slowing down. Your ability to to adjust and adapt in response to change -- and to do so quickly in a positive and productive way -- is an essential skill in today's world. Success belongs to the new people (and organizations) who are able to manage change and adapt to new circumstances. (Focus 3 Culture)
Change is uncertain and unfamiliar. Change is uncomfortable, it is supposed to create growth. Remember, change is inevitable, growth is optional. And, it is how you respond to that change that will define the leader you are and will become. Whether in front of a classroom of students or a room full of teachers, it is how you respond to that change that will measure your success.

How do you deal with change? Do you respond in a manner that will drive you to become better? Do you lead by example? Regardless of our role, we must recognize the need to adapt and adjust. Be reflective on how your actions represent not only your own leadership but also those of your organization, your classroom and the life you live.

4 comments:

  1. Craig,

    Thanks for sharing. This is such an important topic, because it impacts all of us. My big focus with change is WHY. If people can understand why things need to change they are more apt to embrace it. It may be looking at data to see a program is not working, it may be hearing from staff that they feel one way, but your perception was different. Whatever the change that is needed, it's important to understand why it is needed. Then the process can begin.

    Jon

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