My case:
My international school is a reputable school with a strong faculty where there is a continual desire to improve and better our practice. Our physical space does not foster collaboration- a huge issue. The design of the physical space (or lack thereof)and busy schedule makes it extremely difficult to connect with colleagues.
Our school values opportunities for leadership and encouraging professional and personal growth. In particular, we have a group of teachers designated as learning leaders, who lead subject-specific teams such as English, Science, Math etc, and are a layer of leadership who are relied on for their ideas, input, and pulse on their team. This team is valuable to our organization.
Design Principles:
Learn from mistakes, and move forward
Listen and learn from ideas and situations from before. As learning happens, and other methods are trialed, many new ideas are considered and opportunities are presented. Thinking, reflecting, and building or restructuring goals with purpose will bring clarity to move forward.
Voice & Choice
Voice: Encouraging input and embracing ideas and suggestions empowers stakeholders to be apart of change–adapting to create a better learning environment. Inclusivity is key, building relationships and trust to strengthen the process.
Choice: Feedback collected is collated to present viable options making it less overwhelming. Minimal selection when the time is of the essence will increase engagement rather than burden with possibility.
Optimism
Optimism is what drives you forward. When things are muddied or difficult, or when there is new ground to explore, the belief that your team will find solutions and move forward is essential. The continual effort in the team’s common goal will boost engagement and collaboration.
Consistency is Crucial
Using tech is a routine.
The digital environment will only sustain and grow if stakeholders engage habitually with the content and with each other in order to benefit the common good.
Make things Efficient
The functionality of the platform must add to the positivity of the experience and enhance its perceived value.
Time is money: keep it simple.
Do you feel what we feel?
Be comfortable being uncomfortable and yet, understand the complexities of others learning curve. Viewing the problem and process through multiple lenses enhances and clarifies context while diminishing preconceived ideas.
Cohesiveness
You can be a critical friend but you cannot be a ‘Debbie-Downer’. Feedback is vital to the growth and redirection of a system. Stronger teams, even with disagreements, there is still a full commitment to the common goal.