As expectations rise for schools, the resources to support them are stable or declining. This combination of forces means that most schools are dealing with significant reorganization and change. Successful leaders understand that the success of any change is directly related to developing the capacity of the people in the organization. The School Administrators of Iowa identified several strategies that principals can use to support people during these changes. I found them to be a helpful reminder and would be interested in hearing from you about their value.
- Allow people to discuss feelings of loss and the difficulty of "letting go" of familiar programs and practices;
- Identify the needs of individual people and tailor the support based upon need;
- Develop support groups that are problem solving, action-oriented and non-judgmental;
- Be candid about unmet needs and work with people to plan specific ways to meet the need;
- Focus on strengths, skills, and interests of each person;
- Provide opportunity for everyone involved to share their ideas and talents;
- Plan ways for individuals to expand their skills to support the change;
- Identify ways that individuals can work to support one another throughout the change;
- Focus on successes and achievements;
- Give extra support to those who need it;
- Keep communication open and encouraging.
