Second example of impacting culture

Colleagues,

MVP: Enlist others in helping identify solutions.

Yesterday I shared the story of the principal who, faced with a paper shortage, micromanaged how paper would be allotted and actively blocked teachers’ efforts to be creative.

What if instead the principal had gone to staff and said, “Ya’ll [assuming this is in the south 🤣], we have had our paper budget slashed from $1500 to $950. This week, in your teams, please discuss how we might best cope with this change and get your ideas back to me.”

The net here, despite a cut in resources, might actually be a positive.

How can we understand this through a culture perspective?

• People: Communicates people are capable and trustworthy
• Purpose: Indicates teachers are critical problem solvers
• Structure: Helps build systems that make it easier for teachers to adapt to negative external forces and stay focused on the essential work of educating students
• Resources: Yes, this one still sucks 😖

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts. I can see a few places where readers might push back with a different perspective. Simply reply to this email.

Cheers!

​Frederick