Rain, rain, go away...

Colleagues,

I’ve been trying to work on the green-shed, but it poured rain all last week. Given the weather, I had four options:

1. Get wet and work in the rain
2. Get less wet by covering the worksite
3. Stay mostly dry by doing some detail work in the garage
4. Stay dry and not work at all

 
Working in the rain will allow me to keep progressing, but it will be more dangerous.
 
Covering the worksite will allow me to keep working somewhat safely, but at a slower pace.
 
Doing detail work will allow me to work safely, but more slowly and with the possibility of making some bad mistakes.
 
Not working will allow me to rest my tired body but will stall all progress.
 
These same options apply to the work we do as leaders, especially change initiatives.
 
I know a school that is implementing a new math curriculum and experiencing large numbers of student, teacher, and staff absences.
 
The leaders in this school have the same challenge I do, and they have the same four options.
 
Urgent leaders will try to keep doing what they are doing (option 1).
 
Strategic leaders will pause and consider all four options, and then make an intentional decision.
 
There is no single best option. The best option is context specific. The key is to be intentional about choosing.
 
Cheers!
 
Frederick