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“Too bold. Not bold enough. Too fast. Not fast enough.” As school leaders, administration and teachers alike, seek to enhance and even redefine the quality of learning and community for our students, we often hear variations on these four critiques. At times in the past I’ve been accused of being too bold and too fast, to the point of appearing impulsive. And thus, in a recent coaching session, I was startled by my mentor’s suggestion that I strive to build on positive momentum and be bolder and faster or at least to consider more carefully the balance between being too bold and not bold enough, too fast and not fast enough. His words, part compliment and part critique, were a first after several years of coaching through which, among many other goals, I have sought to enhance my ability to “lead from the middle”, and not run out too far ahead of our teachers, being too bold and too fast. His challenge has me wondering. How can we consider the vital role of pacing in improving our schools? How can we consider not only time, but timing, as a precious resource? How can we be faster and bolder, while remaining thoughtful, patient and reflective?
Ten principles can guide us in leading change, managing the careful balance necessary between being too bold or not bold enough; too fast or not fast enough.
- Say “yes” to those who seek to experiment and try approaches new to them, and new to the school, as often as possible
- Be patient with those moving at a slower pace
- Embrace the perspectives of all, making disagreement and skepticism safe
- Compliment and show appreciation for the individual contributions of all
- Believe in the potential of teachers and students to achieve great things
- Provide robust job embedded support and opportunities to learn
- Encourage experimentation and embrace mistakes made while learning and striving to move forward
- Celebrate successes, small and large
- Recognize when you have gone too far, too fast and be prepared to slow down, reflect, and consider approaches anew
- Have fun
What principles might you add? What approaches have you found effective in balancing the pacing of change?
Sharing Our Blessings 
Comments on: "10 Principles For Leading Change" (2)
Any time we take risks to experiment we run the risk of failing. We need to learn to celebrate failures as a way to LEARN. If we fear failure, we will never reach beyond what it is we can grasp!
Walking the balance between too bold, not bold enough; too fast, not fast enough certainly exposes us to the failures. I do believe that if we never fail, we haven’t reached far enough. I do continue to grapple with finding the right balance. It is an ongoing process. Thanks so much for sharing.