This week we spent some time playing a game that put us in the shoes of administrators trying to get their district to the next level of success. It was difficult with many choices to make and order. The thing that was always in the back of ones mind was the fact that everything we did costs "bits"' or money. Our team spent a good number of bits to only find out that we did not get any return for. We were trying to look back at what the district was in the past and were told we basically could not look at what the past. Only at actions we have done. It turns out that staff development was a great place to start. Getting staff ready to work together via trainings was a great way to spend bits and earn bens.
The work this week was basically figuring out what kind of work environment you work in. Looking at the moral of your school is always hard, because though you see it one way, not everyone will. That makes things very hard there always seems to be that person who has something to complain about.
It was also nice to work with a group and come up with a list of skills/abilities that a leader needs to have to create systemwide change. The list is full of ideas that have floated around for the past 4 classes, but we complied them now into one place. It was nice to see them all together.
Heres hoping that year 2 of the game is a bit more productive!
The eye-opening part of the game for me was how it proved how much "red tape" you have to go through in order to make a system-wide change. The more committees that were involved, the longer it would take to get something accomplished. Yet you need the committees so that the decisions are being well thought out and making sure that all of the stakeholders feel like they are being included as part of the decision-making process. Phew...that's a lot to consider.
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