Leverage and Influence

As a professional developer in schools I'm finding myself ask two questions more and more often...

• LEVERAGE - What or who can I leverage to make change occur in a more effective and efficient manner?
• INFLUENCE - How do I influence these leverage points to create the necessary catalyst for effective change in the system?

I'm finding that in some of my more difficult schools and districts, it is actually finding the leverage points. I've finally conceptualized the full meaning of leverage - I visualize it as a light swtch or the old stick shift in my '68 VW bug. I remember back to high school science when we studied the simple machines. A lever is a machine that makes work easier and more powerful. Since there are so many factors and the work could be endless in many schools, it is critical to find those switches that are going to make the work more manageable. So a question that came to mind as I was in the shower this morning is this...How do we find the leverage points in a school building or system if none are obvious? And I guess there would be a follow-up question...Is it possible to be in a school or district where there are NO leverage points? As I am mentally and verbally processing my way through this question, I'm very quickly coming to the answer to my own question. Of course, there can be schools that are so dysfunctional that there are no leverage points. As I continue to puzzle over this, I then begin to see our job as beginning at the beginning. Do we then begin to work on developing those levers?

The question for the funders of such programs (because they all cost money) and for researchers is how do they see this happening? Just how far do we go? Can we make that kind of impact from the outside? Many secondary schools in our country are in tremendous difficulty. They are holding their doors shut with shoe strings (literally) and moving hundreds of kids so slowly through metal detectors that 2nd hour in all practicality is the first hour of the day.

Related to leverage, is the idea of influence. As a professional developer and instructional coach my job is to begin to influence what is happening instructionally in a school. Although I have not yet read The Influencer by Kerry Patterson, et. al., I am very hopeful to gain insight into these questions. I hope that my next post will have some reflections and insights to this dilemma. In the mean time, I would love to hear your reactions to what I'm thinking. Those of you who have worked in school reform efforts, how have you processed your way through all of this? I'm on my much needed Christmas Break for the next few weeks, and besides enjoying my family and friends, I plan to ponder these ideas and read this book that is the subject of a book study group this month and next.

ON ANOTHER NOTE...Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to all of my friends and colleagues. I so appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow with you. May you have some time to enjoy relaxation and regeneration for a few short weeks as we move into a very exciting and change-filled new year. Blessings to all of you.

I've Got Lots To Be Thankful For...

Here it is already, Thanksgiving Day 2008. I would like to stop and reflect on what I am thankful for this year...those people in my life who have made it so rewarding and interesting, as well as some of the institutions that have enriched my life. We are so lucky to live in America...we have so much. We even have these symbols of abundance, the turkey, stalking our neighborhoods!

First, I would like to thank my family for their continuing support of my work, my quirks, and their just being there. Each of you have a place lodged in my heart, and although we may not talk everyday, I do think of you every day.

Next, I would like to thank my friends, both work and non-work friends, who stay in touch through phone, Facebook, email, and any other means necessary. This world has become so disconnected, and I am learning that we can use technology to maintain relationships and community. For my colleagues with whom I work, you have become great friends and compatriots. I couldn't have asked for better, more caring people to work with. Plus, you are all just tons of fun! Forgive me if we have not connected lately; one thing I worry about is losing touch with some of my close friends from other periods in my life. It seems that the nature of friendship is changing, and we have to work really hard to maintain all of our friendships and relationships. My wish is that more of you learn about Twitter and email so that we can stay in touch and remain in each others' lives.

I want to acknowledge and thank ALL of my colleagues and partners in education today. I think you truly have the most difficult and thankless job there is in this world today - working with young people in this country teaching them the skills and strategies to be successful in the 21st century. Most of the teachers and administrators I work with have huge, oversized hearts. They care so much about what they do, and they care so much for the students they serve. Those of you in urban settings who work so hard every day with few resources, I am in awe of your strength and your character. My prayer is that things change very soon in education, and that the public get a clue of the kind of Herculean effort it takes to keep things going in some schools. I feel so thankful and privileged to be working and learning with you.

Finally, to my mentors and teachers...you know who you are. You are also dear friends, but even more than that. All through my life I believe that people have been placed in my way who have been there to help guide me in my life. Spiritually, I believe that those people are placed in my way for a reason. They are there to help me learn and become a better person. All of you teach by example, and I can only hope to be placed in someone else's path to mentor and help them on their journey. On this Thanksgiving, I am so thankful that many of you have been placed in my path during this lifetime. I'm thinking that learning is continuous, and that even when I'm 75, I will have mentors and teachers. What a wonderful gift!

God bless all of you who take time to read my blog. I really enjoy being able to express my voice. I am thankful to live in the United States where all of this freedom is possible. I am thankful that my church is not judgmental, and they welcome me back any time I have stayed away too long. I am thankful that we will have a new administration, and I am feeling very hopeful for our country. I'm thankful that I am healthy and able to pursue my interests. I am thankful that I have opportunities work with all kinds of people. I'm thankful that in my work I am able to give back and work towards improvement of an institution I love and believe in - the public schools. I'm truly blessed, and everyone I've mentioned plus many more contribute to this. Have a wonderful holiday season.