Ready, Fire, Aim!

Ready, Fire, Aim!

Ready-Fire-Aim

Peters and Waterman coined the idea of "Read-Fire-Aim" to draw attention to the quick action of high-performing companies. Within this metaphor, there are many change-savvy ideas that Michael Fullan discusses in Motion Leadership.

Focused meaning comes out of the "Read-Fire-Aim" approach.

Relationships First

• You only have one chance to make a first impression

• Make a careful entry - listen and engage in collaborative problem solving

• "If the leader comes on too strong, the culture will rebel" (page 19).

Honor the implementation dip

• Myth of change: there will be immediate gains

• Truth of change: costs are immediate, while benefits are distant & theoretical

• Compliments should not be expected

Open Ended

Based on the diagram on the previous slide, summarize the "implementation dip" in your own words.

Beware of fat (lengthy) plans

• For change to happen, action must occur

• Avoid spending too much time creating plans on paper

• Make a plan, and then GET IN MOTION!

• The more succinct the plan, the more effective it will be

Behaviors before beliefs

• Focus on small, "bite-sized" behaviors to change

• Changes in behavior will lead to changes in beliefs over time

Open Ended

Tell about a time that you made simple behavior changes that led to a change in your beliefs.

Communication during implementation is paramount

• Two-way, open communication

• Allows for problems to be solved

• Builds a common vision & we-we identity

• Shared understanding of implementation strategy

Learn about implementation during implementation

• Identify bright spots (successful examples of how change is happening)

• Why reinvent the wheel? Use the answers that you find elsewhere

• Read about Ontario's Schools on the Move strategy here: https://kappanonline.org/ontario-spread-successful-practices-across-5000-schools-glaze/

Open Ended

What is your biggest take-away from the article "How Ontario spread successful practices across 5,000 schools"?

https://kappanonline.org/ontario-spread-successful-practices-across-5000-schools-glaze/

Excitement prior to implementation is fragile

• Baby steps - strive for small early successes

• Admit mistakes and acknowledge problems

• Protect your people

• Celebrate successes

Take risks and learn

• Try new things

• Learn from your experiences - positive & negative

• "Ready, fire, aim represents purposeful learning and taking learning risks is embedded in the psyche of successful organizations" (page 29).

It's okay to be assertive!

3 Conditions for Assertive Leaders:

• Build trusting relationships

• Have meaningful, good ideas

• Empower others to participate in assessing & shaping the ideas

Resources

Fullan, M. (2010). Motion leadership: The skinny on becoming change savvy. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.