The Art of Justifying Change

Change is an inevitable constant in education. If it isn’t, it surely should be. While it can be met with resistance, effective leaders understand that it is often necessary for growth, innovation, and, most importantly, to meet the needs of students. As a principal, I vividly remember spearheading several major change initiatives such as improved grading practices, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), selection and implementation of a new evaluation system, development of the Academies at NMHS, adoption of virtual courses, and establishing learning walk protocols.  These were all significant shifts that required justification.  

Change without justification is a leap into the dark. Illuminate your path with reason to help others see the value. 

To successfully justify change, leaders must articulate a compelling vision, address concerns, and provide support. Here are some things to consider. 

Articulate a Compelling Vision

A clear and inspiring vision is essential for motivating people to embrace different and better. Leaders should paint a picture of the future state, emphasizing the benefits of the specific change and how it aligns with overall goals. This vision should be communicated effectively through a multi-faceted approach, something I emphasize in Digital Leadership.  Ensuring everyone understands the "why" behind the change is vital. 

Present research and evidence

These play a crucial role in justifying change by providing a solid foundation for decision-making. By examining quantitative data, showcasing qualitative evidence, and sharing case studies, leaders can illustrate trends, uncover potential problems, and evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches. People want to know that it works, how it can be implemented effectively, and what constitutes success. When presented to educators, this evidence-based approach helps mitigate risks, build trust, and ensure that changes are aligned with the vision and goals. Additionally, research can be used to anticipate potential challenges and develop strategies to address them proactively, ultimately leading to more successful and sustainable change initiatives.

Address Concerns and Questions

Change can be unsettling for many people, leading to concerns and questions. Leaders must be prepared to address these concerns directly and honestly. Acknowledging the challenges and providing reassurance builds trust and alleviates fears. It's important to listen attentively to concerns and clearly explain the decisions made. See the previous paragraph. 

Provide Support and Guidance

Implementing change requires support and guidance. Leaders should provide the necessary resources, professional learning opportunities, feedback, and mentorship to help people acclimate to the new environment. Leaders can empower staff to succeed in the face of change by investing in their growth. Try to avoid drive-by and one-and-done events, as the research is pretty clear that these don’t lead to sustained change. Instead, invest in job-embedded and ongoing professional learning that combines presentations, workshops, coaching, mentoring, strategic planning, and an inspirational keynote here and there. Creating a supportive and inclusive culture can help develop a sense of belonging and reduce resistance to change.

Celebrate Successes

Recognizing and celebrating successes along the way is crucial for maintaining momentum and morale, something Nicki Slaugh and I highlight in Personalize. By highlighting the positive outcomes of change, leaders can reinforce the benefits and encourage continued commitment. This can also help build a sense of accomplishment and pride amongst staff.

Be Patient and Persistent

Change is often a gradual process, and it may take time for people to fully embrace the new and better way of doing things. It is vital to be patient and persistent in the efforts to drive change. By maintaining a positive and supportive attitude, leaders can inspire employees to overcome challenges and achieve the desired outcomes.

By following these guidelines, leaders can effectively justify change and create a positive and productive culture. Remember, change is not just about implementing new processes or technologies; it's about transforming how people work and think. Leaders can ensure a successful transition to a brighter future by inspiring and empowering their most precious resource – the people who actually implement change. 

We All Learn at a Different Pace

During the pandemic, I was grounded for an extensive period of time.  It was quite odd and liberating not to be constantly on a plane, train, or in a rental car. Boy, did I make use of my bike since the gyms were closed.  While a few of my projects continued, these were few and far between.  When I traveled, there was nowhere to go and eat as everything was delivered. One of the few perks in my line of work is enjoying different kinds of food unique to certain areas of the world. This might be the only consistent pleasure when you are a road warrior. Living out of a suitcase is less glamorous than one would think. 

Since I now had precious time at home, I decided to become a better cook. I saw this as both a hobby and a necessity since I didn’t have numerous restaurant choices at my fingertips like I did on the road.  Thus, I began by reflecting on some of my favorite travel dishes.  The first thing that came to mind was charbroiled oysters.  Now, being from the Northeast, I will tell you that we eat our oysters raw. Long Island Bluepoint’s are my favorite.  It wasn’t until work took me to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi that I had my eyes opened to a new delicacy. 

Oysters grow in the Gulf of Mexico and are much larger than those found in colder areas around the world. When I saw these on the menu, I was intrigued and tried them. Until now, I had only had them either fried or Rockefeller style, but never charbroiled.  One bite in, and I was asking myself where these have been all my life. Here is an interesting fact. It would be best if you were careful eating warm-water oysters raw as they often contain much higher amounts of harmful bacteria. I know this as I have a B.S. in marine biology.  Thus, I avoid eating them raw. 

Back to my story. Drago’s is one of my favorite places in New Orleans to get charbroiled oysters. So, during the pandemic, I searched to see if I could find their recipe. Lo and behold, I came across a YouTube video, which I watched repeatedly until I was ready to take a stab at cooking them myself. When my confidence peaked, I put my learning into action and shucked, seasoned, and cooked them for the first time. The smell that emanated made me feel like I was in Drago’s, and I was mesmerized by the flames engulfing the oysters as the garlic butter boiled over from each one. 

Finally, it was judgment time, and my family and I tried them. Let’s say it was a resounding success. My mom, who doesn't eat oysters, loves mine. My twin brother now brings bushels to my house for me to shuck and cook.  It is such a joy for me to now make charbroiled oysters for family and friends, but here is the point of the story. If I hadn’t been able to learn at my own pace, I am not sure I would have been successful. I literally watched the YouTube video ten times before I began and serval times during the process. Nicki Slaugh and I shared the following in Personalize:

If learning is the goal, students should be able to work at their own pace within reason.

The above quote should resonate as learning is a process, not an event.  When students can progress through standards and concepts at a speed that suits their individual needs, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated. This can lead to increased understanding, higher levels of confidence, and a greater appreciation for the content. Additionally, working at one's own pace can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing students to focus on the learning process rather than feeling pressured to keep up with their peers. 

Consider strategies such as flipped lessons, playlists, choice boards, must-do / may-do menus, or stations with an adequate amount of time. You can read more about these strategies HERE.

The pace of learning is and should be individual, but the destination is the same. 

The Power of Routines: Building a Strong Foundation for Success

 Many of my friends, family, and colleagues know that I am routine-oriented.  I get up around the same time every morning (5:00 – 6:00 AM), go to the gym, and then have a protein shake. When I am home, I follow up my workout with an elaborate smoothing, take the dogs for a walk, and then head to my office to generate a to-do list for the day. From there, I open up my calendar and get to work. Throughout the day, I drink at least four cups of green tea and eat every two hours or so. On the road, my routine is similar in terms of getting up, working out, and making sure I have a significant protein intake. After speaking or coaching, I then do the calendar and email ritual.  No matter where I am, I typically go to bed between 9:30 and 10:00 PM. If my routine is interrupted, I get a tad moody.  

There is a point to sharing my story. Often seen as mundane or repetitive, routines hold immense power in shaping our lives. They provide a structured framework, helping us manage time effectively, reduce stress, and ultimately achieve our goals. If I didn't have these I doubt I would have stuck with blogging for fifteen (15) years or written any books. There is a great deal of science behind routines and incorporating them into our daily lives can lead to more tremendous success and fulfillment.

The Science of Routines

Our brains are wired for efficiency. Establishing routines creates neural pathways that make it easier for our minds to navigate tasks and decisions. This cognitive ease can lead to increased productivity and reduced stress. Research by Wendy Wood, a leading expert in habit formation, has shown that routines can become so ingrained in our behaviors that they become almost automatic, freeing up mental energy for other tasks (Wood & Neal, 2016).

Benefits of Routines

While sticking with the same general schedule or plan might seem counter to achieving our goals, research says otherwise.  Below are some of the ways routines can help you maximize time and find success.

• Increased Productivity: By streamlining daily tasks, routines help us focus on what matters most. A study by the University of California, Los Angeles, found that individuals who followed consistent morning routines reported higher productivity and satisfaction levels (Walker et al., 2018).
• Reduced Stress: Routines can provide a sense of control and predictability, which can help mitigate stress. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that individuals who followed a structured daily routine experienced lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone (Schmitz et al., 2018).
• Improved Mental Health: Establishing routines can contribute to overall well-being. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that individuals who engaged in regular exercise routines reported lower rates of depression and anxiety (Blumenthal et al., 2007).
• Enhanced Goal Achievement: Routines can serve as stepping stones toward achieving our goals. By breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps, we can stay motivated and focused on progress (Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006; Wood & Neal, 2016)).

Creating Effective Routines

There is no best way to develop a routine.  This is and always should be a personal decision that considers context and the specific goals you are trying to achieve. Here are some general suggestions. 

• Start Small: Incorporate one or two simple routines into your day. Gradually increase the number of routines as you become more comfortable with them. There is no such thing as a small win if they combine to create lasting change.
• Be Consistent: Consistency is vital to forming lasting habits. Stick to your routines as much as possible, even on weekends or vacations.
• Be Flexible: While routines provide structure, allowing for flexibility is essential. Life can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your routines as needed.
• Track Your Progress: Keeping a journal or using a habit-tracking app can help you monitor your progress and stay accountable.

Routines are a powerful tool for improving our lives professionally and personally. Establishing consistent habits and practices can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and help us achieve our goals. So, why not start incorporating routines into your daily life today and experience the benefits firsthand?

Blumenthal, J. A., Babyak, M., Moore, G. A., Herman, S. J., Khatri, P., Waugh, R., ... & Williams, S. (2007). Exercise training and stress reduction in sedentary older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 297(19), 2090-2098.

Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A meta-analysis of psychological research. Review of General Psychology, 10(4), 312-333.

Schmitz, H., Friederich, R. C., & Dreisbach, G. (2018). Daily routines and cortisol levels: A longitudinal study. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 147(10), 1729-1739.

Walker, M. B., Lewis, J. M., & Broda, M. L. (2018). The effects of morning routines on perceived stress and productivity. International Journal of Stress Management, 27(2), 101-113.

Wood, W., & Neal, D. T. (2016). Habits in everyday life: Why we do what we do. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 25(4), 237-241.

4 Steps for Continuous Improvement

There is a great deal on the plates of teachers and administrators.  How many of us were initially trained doesn’t carry as much weight in a world where information is readily at our fingertips. Take lesson planning, for example. Many of us recall the days when lesson plans were a labor of love or a big waste of time. We spent countless hours crafting detailed outlines, complete with objectives, activities, assessments, and even a backup plan in case of inclement weather. For some of us, lesson plans were works of art; each one was a testament to our dedication and passion for teaching. In other cases, they were a waste of time.  

Let’s now take a look at the modern era. Efficiency and flexibility are now prized above all else. Lesson plans should be more streamlined, focusing on essential learning outcomes and incorporating innovative strategies to enhance the learning experience. While we understand the value and importance of planning, a more adaptable approach allows educators to respond to students' needs in real-time. 

Yes, a plan is important. However, it does not and should not be an arduous process. Consider the following steps when it comes to continuous improvement as a teacher. If you are an administrator, consider how your learning walks and feedback protocols can support growth in these areas. 

1. Plan standards-based lessons with measurable learning goals.
2. Implement effective strategies to maximize time, provide an appropriate amount of challenge, and engage students. 
3. Evaluate insights from exit tickets, assessments, adaptive tools, and/or student work to determine lesson effectiveness. 
4. Grow by reflecting to identify gaps in practice. Then, attend and implement strategies gleaned from professional learning. You can also leverage professional learning communities (PLCs), personal learning networks (PLNs), or other growth opportunities.

Teachers and administrators are compelled to adapt to changing times where access to information is instant and flexibility is crucial. The days of rigid, labor-intensive lesson planning are behind us. Instead, streamlined, standards-based lesson plans focusing on essential learning outcomes are critical. Teachers can embrace adaptability to better respond to students’ needs in real-time while clearly focusing on measurable learning goals. Consider how this continuous improvement process can transform the teaching and learning experience, whether you are an educator or an administrator. Administrators, empower your teams by offering meaningful feedback and encouraging professional growth. By embracing flexible, outcome-driven planning, we can better meet the needs of every student and cultivate a thriving learning environment.