Igniting Our Why
Why, How,
and What
of
Organizational Change
SPEAK TO THE HEART
Evoking change is not an easy feat, and without the right appeal, many ideas will fail before they are ever able to get off the ground. This is not simply because most people lack follow through, or merely because organizations do not have the desire for change or growth, but instead it is something that is likely being overlooked and under emphasized. As John Kotter points out in his “Heart of Change,” video, change comes from reaching the hearts and minds of those within an organization (2011). Simply put, it is more important for stakeholders to understand why something is being done prior to having them understand what process of change is occurring. The aspect of change and the sense of urgency placed upon something is more likely to succeed when a common understanding is established of the need for change (Kotter, 2013).
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As a Learning Support Coordinator, my main focus is not only to help students discover their passions, and cultivate their strengths and abilities, but also develop content and training for educators to help with the creation of significant learning environments. To do this, I place my focus on empowering the learning happening around me. By empowering learners to embrace the various skills, knowledge and real world experiences of 21st century learners and leaders, I believe that I help drive home the importance of lifelong learning. This is my WHY. Instead of being the keeper of facts, I allow the students and teachers that I work with to cultivate their own ideas, by fostering and creating spaces that allow for individual and group discovery. As Simon Sinek points out in his Ted Talk on why and how great leaders inspire action, “people don’t buy what you do, but why you do it”(2013). If I walk the walk of my why by seeking out information, being open to failing forward, and experimenting with learning, then those that I work with may also feel empowered to do the same.
“People don’t buy what you do, but why you do it” -Simon Sinek
A SENSE OF URGENCY
The world is vastly changing, categorized by new sets of skills and resources needed to be a successful contributor. Twenty-first century learners are the leaders of today and tomorrow, with a foundation that is rooted in technology. As a result, students should continue to have technology integrated into their learning environments in a way that enhances the learning experience. This is why it is important to have students using the tools of collaboration, technology and reflections to not only deepen their high school experience, but prepare them for college, and the real world. Our students of today will be the adults of tomorrow, who are expected to flourish and thrive in an innovative environment. The learning they do today, will directly impact their future contributions to the society that we ourselves will also be a part of. As educators and influencers shouldn’t we want to provide the most influential support to our students while providing them with resources well beyond the classroom? If we use technology to enhance the learning, in the form of ePortfolios we can provide just that!
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Fostering communities of learning and growth, where learners are both inspired and prepared to participate effectively in a globalized, 21st century world does not come without intentional thinking. When speaking with students, you will find that a large majority find the work that they have been doing throughout their high school careers to be of little to no significance towards their future self. Wouldn’t we want to change that stigma? The change comes with providing the students with tools and environments that allow them to have a voice, take ownership of their learning, and make connections through reflection. We need to support their drive to be great thinkers, problem solvers and innovators, while providing spaces and opportunities that allow them to take risks, make mistakes and learn from those experiences. ePortfolios implementation in well thought out significant learning environments provide these opportunities.
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Innovation is happening now, and so should the incorporation of technology that enhances the qualities needed for 21st century learners and leaders.
References:
Kotter, John (2011, March 23). The heart of change. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/1NKti9MyAAw
Kotter, John. (2013, August 15). Leading change: establish a sense of urgency. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/2Yfrj2Y9IlI
Sinek, Simon. (2013, September 29). Start with why. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/sioZd3AxmnE