The first of the eight processes is establishing a sense of
urgency.
“Establishing a sense of urgency is crucial to gaining needed cooperation. With complacency high, transformations usually go nowhere because few people are even interested in working on the change problem.” (Kotter, 2012) Complacency can be devastating to a principal trying to produce a sense of urgency. Many educators are stressed with the hoard of changes that exist in education. From one year to the next teachers, administrators, and state departments are forced to change standards, policies, and budgets due to political agenda instead of effective practices. Whether it's a new acronym or the next big standard-based idea, change happens. Creating a positive sense of urgency that links these changes to day to day activities, and being a source of positive reinforcement towards renewal will develop an attitude that change is easy.
“To prevent new initiatives from being stalled by negativity, identify your best teachers and move them forward with you. Have a meeting with them, pitch your idea, ask for suggestions, and invite them along for the ride. I’ve found that the biggest complainer is swept along toward a goal that already has momentum and support.”(Campbell-Rush, 2013)
Creating an environment where the attitude of the principal is seen positive is crucial to establishing a since of urgency. Attitude reflects leadership. I will work to create a sense of urgency by creating an energy that is contagious, where every moment is valuable.
“Establishing a sense of urgency is crucial to gaining needed cooperation. With complacency high, transformations usually go nowhere because few people are even interested in working on the change problem.” (Kotter, 2012) Complacency can be devastating to a principal trying to produce a sense of urgency. Many educators are stressed with the hoard of changes that exist in education. From one year to the next teachers, administrators, and state departments are forced to change standards, policies, and budgets due to political agenda instead of effective practices. Whether it's a new acronym or the next big standard-based idea, change happens. Creating a positive sense of urgency that links these changes to day to day activities, and being a source of positive reinforcement towards renewal will develop an attitude that change is easy.
“To prevent new initiatives from being stalled by negativity, identify your best teachers and move them forward with you. Have a meeting with them, pitch your idea, ask for suggestions, and invite them along for the ride. I’ve found that the biggest complainer is swept along toward a goal that already has momentum and support.”(Campbell-Rush, 2013)
Creating an environment where the attitude of the principal is seen positive is crucial to establishing a since of urgency. Attitude reflects leadership. I will work to create a sense of urgency by creating an energy that is contagious, where every moment is valuable.