When it comes to success, what is the best measure? Speed? Efficiency? Accuracy? Some might say it’s the journey that matters most. Others would argue that completion of a goal is success enough. What do you believe “success” to be?
Within the first section of his book The 4 Disciplines of Execution, McChesney (2016) shares how zooming in on just a few goals is, bottomline, the utmost important structure needed to set and achieve success. With this in mind, it is crucial for every person, business, and institution to also follow his other three suggestions surrounding how to best achieve success when it comes to goal-setting and making company-wide changes. Together, they are referred to as 4DX.
(Verghese, 2021)
Within the structure of a school district, changes happen all the time! Yearly, monthly, and daily goals are shared with the hopes of making better learning environments. Do these goals get revisited? Is progress tracked? Is it just busy work? Do all stakeholders have a chance to define, create, and assist with working toward the goal itself? Oftentimes not, and unfortunately the goal goes undervalued and incomplete. This is what I hope to prevent when implementing my innovation plan and proposal.
When utilizing McChesney’s (2016) four disciplines of execution, or 4DX, a stronger case can be made for the use, implementation, and success rate of Blended Learning within classroom environments at schools around the world! Although changes can be tough, there are a few ways to ensure everyone is happy with the creation, implementation, and impact of these changes. Since it is easiest to work incrementally through steps of change, let's use the book The 4 Disciplines of Execution to create a structured plan. Below you’ll be provided with examples of how this can be used in connection to Blended Learning.
Five Stages of Change
Stage One: Getting Clear
A wildly important goal - Apply aspects of “blended learning” into classrooms with a trial success rate of 80% or higher throughout the school year.
Tracking measurements - Progress will be measured by a quick survey during professional development meetings.
Allow all stakeholders to participate in setting these goals and expectations, if possible.
Offer weekly check-ins and individual goal-setting.
Stage Two: Launch
It is essential that dedicated leaders continually focus on “blended learning” and energize the organization.
Help everyone remain diligent through consistency.
Models - pilot and lead the way with implementation. Potentials - will focus on small successes and incremental goal achievement. Resisters - will gain motivation by seeing “blended learning” in action within other classrooms.
Stage Three: Adoption
Focus on staying the course more so than seeing immediate results.
Technology coordinators and volunteer committee can meet weekly for brief informational sessions.
During meetings, suggestions can be offered and adjustments can be made.
Continuously track lead measurements and goal progress which is posted publicly within the teacher’s lounge and published in weekly staff emails.
Stage Four: Optimization
Ask staff if they have ideas for strengthening the overall goal.
Showcase the greatest models of “blended learning” at professional development meetings.
Allow teachers to nominate others who utilize great “blended learning” strategies.
Distribute awards and personalized “way to go” achievement cards.
Stage Five: Habits
Celebrate successful completion of the goal.
Ask for suggestions in the creation of a new, stronger “blended learning” goal.
Remind everyone of all we have accomplished so far and reflect upon the progress made.
Formalize the new goal progress through dedicated tracking and by furthering individual responsibility.
After looking into HOW changes progress through the implementation of Blended Learning, what ACTIONS should be then taking place? We will look at this, next.
(Verghese, 2021)
Listed below are ways any school can incrementally take ACTION within the realm of "Blended Learning." Each key action is described for you to follow along with McChesney's (2016) book ideas.
Key Actions for 4DX Implementation
Discipline One: Focus
- Set a "wildly important goal" that begins with a verb, is clear, and measurable.
- Create a "starting" and a "finishing" line.
- Example: Apply "blended learning" concepts into 80% of science and English
classrooms before the December holiday season.
Discipline Two: Measure
- Track lag measures as the goal is being completed.
- Decide which lead measures will create imminent success.
- Example: Lead measure - update wi-fi throughout school buildings
Discipline Three: Engagement
- Increase motivation and ownership.
- Allow teachers to create their own scoreboard for tracking progress.
- Example - Create a chart in the teacher's lounge to display successes.
Discipline Four: Accountability
- Ensure that leaders consistently discuss and celebrate goal progress.
- Frequently set team and individual goals to further implementation.
- Example - I will use blended learning in my water cycle lesson.
All in all, this planning structure is great for breaking down the HOW and WHY before making any BIG changes within a school system, building, or district. With the right planning, progress, influence, and reflection along the way, it's safe to know that success is on the horizon. As Grenny (2013) explains within his book Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change, a positive influencer can enjoy charting their own organizational change! Sticking close to McChesney's (2016) advice will allow for smooth sailing and lots of smiles aboard.
To that I say, "Good luck, sailor!"
References
Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Influencer: The
new science of leading change (2nd ed.). Mcgraw-Hill Education.
McChesney, C., Covey, S., & Huling, J. (2016). The 4 disciplines of execution: achieving
your wildly important goals. Free Press.
Verghese, P. (2021, February 12). How to focus your highest goals with the 4DX method -.
Philipscom Associates. https://www.pvariel.com/how-to-focus-your-highest-goals-with-
the-4dx-method/
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