Reduce Change to Increase Improvement by Viviane M J Robinson

Author:Viviane M J Robinson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2017-08-01T13:31:17.615800+00:00

Postpone Evaluation of the Theory

On reading this conversation, some school leaders express strong criticism of the principal for what they see as his acceptance of David’s deficit thinking. Such criticism reflects a misunderstanding of the purpose of this phase of the engagement approach, which is to reveal the relevant theory of action, regardless of its merit. That requires careful listening, summarizing, and checking our understanding of others, regardless of our degree of agreement with their beliefs and actions. In this extract, Justin’s nonjudgmental interpersonal behavior enabled David to feel safe enough to take considerable risks—disclosing his beliefs about the external causes of the results and the emotional state of his team. To listen to and acknowledge a theory of action does not signal agreement with it. After all, Justin has a duty to lead an improvement process and, unless he is new to the position, to acknowledge his part in the problem and his desire to be part of the solution. The evaluation of David’s theory and of Justin’s proposed alternative is discussed and illustrated in the next phase of the engagement approach.

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