Six Secrets of Change

While reviewing Michael Fullan's, Six Secrets of Change, I was especially drawn to Secret One: Love Your Employees. I have based many of my initiatives for my campus this year based on this notion. As I approached this year I wondered how to get my staff engaged in the daily operation of the campus and how that engagement could positively effect the learning environment for students. Fullan noted three factors in motivating employees--fair treatment, enabling achievement, and camaraderie. First, this year I have decided to be a better listener to the needs of my staff rather always trying to advance my agenda. I met with each staff person to solicit their individual/personal goals as well as their educational/professional goals. These conversations were informal and very relaxing. Secondly, I established a leadership team which teachers and teacher assistants heading each of the major campus inititives. They have specific days and dates that they present to the body thier work and achievements for the month. They also have opportunity to set their own agenda. Thirdly, I am giving the staff to formulate after school staff recreational activities. They have formulated a volleyball team and a basketball team. They compete against students as well each other. We also have establish a monthly luncheon were we all participate in a potluck luncheon to celebrate our accomplishments for the month. These changes have really brought about positive change on my campus. Student referrals are on the decline on my campus and teacher/staff attitudes are much more positive. Staff attendance for personal leave is on the decline. Secret One is no longer a "Secret" on my campus