Organizational Change
Applying 4DX
Innovation in Action
As famous action hero GI Joe once said, "knowing is half the battle." So far, I have established my innovation plan, researched secondary student ePortfolios, completed an implementation strategy, and now it's time to execute. One of the required readings for EDLD 5304 is The 4 Disciplines of Execution. 4DX examines how to set SMART goals, make the path forward clear, track progress, and optimize. My innovation plan takes place in my classroom with my Digital Design students. As projected in my implementation plan, beggining Spring 2023, my 8th graders will start developing their ePortfolios. The purpose or goal of creating ePs is to address the disconnect between student engagement, interaction, progress tracking, and networking. Middle school students live on social media platforms and watch other people's created content daily. Creating their ePs will blend what they currently love with what they will learn to love. McChesney, Covey, and Huling detail how to establish goals or WIGs, decipher what kind of action is required to obtain said goals, how to measure success, and how to create a culture of accountability. The accountability factor is going to either make or break my innovation plan, because my students already struggle with motivation and follow through. However, I am confident that I have installed the proper measures to gauge, track and adjust as needed.
The 4 Disciplines of Execution
“Once you’ve decided what to do, your biggest challenge is in getting people to execute”
-Chris McChesney
Although change is indeed inevitable, people's response to change isn't usually pleasant. As a change agent and leader in my classroom the best plan of action I take take to execute lasting change and build productive habits within my students is to devise a clear plan with measurable goals, visual progress charts, and a cultural of accountability.
My WIG is 100% participation with all my Digital Design students. This may seem like a no so wildly important goal, but I am battling low motivation, low parent involvement, and lack of student follow through. I introduced the eP project earlier this semester so my students are aware of our Spring project and its expectations. I have shared my own eP journey with them as I continue through my M.Ed program.
We have collectively talked about the importance of their ePs and how they will not only satisfy their required Spring project, but it will grow with them as they transition to high school. We've also talked about how a complete eP will separate them from other candidates when they begin to apply for college and scholarships. I want my students to understand that the creation of their ePs is to serve them.
"Change is inevitable in life. You can either resist it and potentially get run over by it, or you can choose to cooperate with it, adapt to it, and learn how to benefit from it. When you embrace change you will begin to see it as an opportunity for growth."
-Jack Canfield
A goal without a plan or preparation is just a dream. People say you shouldn't mix religion and business, but even the Bible speaks on how avclear and plain plan will foster followership in your supporters.
"Because changing human behavior is such a big job, many leaders face challenges when first installing 4DX. In fact, we’ve found that most teams go through five distinct stages of behavior change." (Prichard, 2012)
Leaders must possess endurance when rolling out a new goal or mission to be executed. The 5 Stages of Change or Changing Behavoir track the usual steps when initiating change.
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Be Clear- eliminate confusion and distractions by making the goals clear
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Launch- make the launch a thing, this will help with buy-in
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Adoption- be prepared to assess and adjust
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Optimization- once the systems are in place it's time to level up
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Habits- time to secure those practices and form habits for future projects and endeavours.
