Executing Change
Developing an operating system for high performance
To achieve the goal of implementing blended learning, it is important to develop a detailed plan that addresses every stage of the change project. It's even more critical to have an execution strategy. "A goal without action is only a wish." My innovation plan will utilize the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) to carry out the implementation of blended learning.
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I've outlined below how I will use the 4DX strategy to ensure success in implementing blended learning.
The 4 Disciplines of Execution
Discipline #1: Focus on the Wildly Important
"Focus on less so the team can achieve more." We cannot change everything at once. There are always too many things we want to improve upon, and we still have our day-to-day activities (the whirlwind) that need to be done. To leverage our actions and achieve breakthrough results, the team will focus on one Wildly Important Goal (WIG).
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Our WIG is to implement blended learning in four classes using station rotation activities by May 2021.
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Discipline #2: Act on the Lead Measures
We must choose the actions that will have the most impact, and at the same time, the actions that we can perform on a regular basis. Lead measures are the new behaviors we will perform that will drive the WIG - the lag measure. Tracking the lag measure will ultimately let us know if we were successful, but checking in May 2021 to see if we implemented blended learning in four classes doesn't help us take action NOW. Lead measures, on the other hand, are the specific actions we can take today to impact our WIG.
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Lead Measure: use station rotation activities during at least one class period per week.
Lag Measure: implement blended learning in four classrooms using station rotation activities by May 2021.
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Discipline #3: Keep a Compelling Scoreboard
This discipline is about engagement. "There is no commitment without involvement." When each team member tracks their own progress on a visible scoreboard, they are more likely to follow through on their commitments. Unless we can see whether we've taken action on our lead measure today, our WIG will get lost in the whirlwind.
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Discipline #4: Create a Cadence of Accountability
If no one is checking on you, do you keep your commitments? It is difficult to keep up new behaviors in the face of the daily whirlwind, which is why consistent and frequent check-ins are important. Team members can help hold each other accountable for acting on the lead measure each week. Regular check-ins will allow team members to share successes and failures, work towards overcoming challenges in the face of the whirlwind, and remain focused on the WIG.
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The 5 Stages of Change
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Change is a process that happens over time. Recognizing this fundamental principle will help us accept that we will not see immediate results. However, teams that can trust the process and stick to the 4 Disciplines will begin to see progress. Knowing the 5 Stages of Change will help manage expectations and provide a pathway forward.
I encourage you to click on the image below to read more about applying 4DX in my change strategy.
Integrating 4DX and the Influencer Model
As I discussed in Influencing Change, changing behaviors is hard. It is difficult to change our own behaviors (think of all your failed New Year’s resolutions just to start), let alone the behavior of others. It is imperative to have a robust plan in place that helps you account for all the hurdles you will face. The Influencer Model and Four Disciplines of Execution (4DX) are two strategies that can be used together to lead productive change.
The Influencer Model with its Six Sources of Influence helps leaders consider all of the ways that people can be influenced. More importantly, by using the matrix, you can design how you will address the personal, social, and structural challenges of influence. The Influencer Model asks you to identify 2 or 3 Vital Behaviors - repeatable, high leverage actions - that will drive you towards reaching your goal. Once identified, you can begin to create a plan to change them.
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At some point, you have to stop planning and do. This is where the 4DX strategy comes in to help. 4DX is all about executing on your plan. The 4 Disciplines allow you to create and take actionable steps towards achieving your goal. By executing on lead measures (those that can be acted on today), keeping a compelling scoreboard, and holding team members accountable, change makers will begin to see progress in the vital behaviors needed to achieve success.
The Five Stages of Change within the 4DX strategy and the Influencer Model matrix can be used together to help leaders better understand what is happening with team members during the change process. For example, if a team member is experiencing difficulty acting on the lead measure, there may be different personal ability factors at work depending on whether the team is in the Adoption or Optimization phase.
Achieving success and creating culture of high performance are driven by behaviors. It is much easier to change behavior when you understand what is motivating certain behaviors. Leaders can then create a plan and a strategy to act on those motivators. Used together, the Influencer Model and 4DX strategies provide a set of tools leaders can use to execute on meaningful change.
References:
Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Influencer: The new science of Leading Change: 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
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McChesney, C., Covey, S. & Huling, J. (2012). The 4 disciplines of execution : achieving your wildly important goals. New York: Free Press.