Leading for Innovation in SchoolsWorkshop 2

Stephen Murgatroyd, PhD FBPsS FRSA

About this workshop…

Two kinds of innovation and a definition..

Innovation in education and where it comes from

An innovation processBarriers to innovation at the level of

the schoolMaking innovation happen…

Write down a definition of innovation

Activity 1

Two Kinds of Innovation

Breakthrough and Disruptive Innovation

5%

Adopt and then Adapt

95%

Our Definitionfrom Rethinking Innovation

Innovation is an idea that has been made to work that makes a difference.

What examples do you have of innovations that don’t work?

Activity 2

A Model of the Innovation Process

1: The Work of Invention

1 Sensing Sensing that there is an opportunity to undertake things differently - looking and seeing what others are doing, engaging with others in different parts of the world, taking a note of developments in other sectors (e.g. health, non profits, business)…Sensing also that there is a need to do something differently…that we could do better. Developing the sense of knowing.

2 Envisioning Being able to share a compelling story about doing things differently – “selling” a vision, opportunity and showing “how” it works for you with passion. Showing the courage of conviction.

2: The Work of Adoption

3 Offering Making the offer to work to change an outcome by using the process/ work shared in the envisioning process. Showing the courage of the offer.

4 Adopting Overcoming resistance to change by doing what you said you would do with the new process/work and continually improving what you do to produce improved outcomes. Showing resilience.

5 Sustaining Gaining commitment to keep doing the “new” work and securing the support of one or more first follower. Showing determination.

3. Creating the Environment and Conditions for Next Practice

6 Executing Making the “new” way of working routine and effective, such that it produces reliable and consistent improvement in outcomes. Demonstrating professional effectiveness.

7 Leading Being proactive in mobilizing others within the school (and elsewhere) to adopt the emerging practice and supporting them when their commitment falters or when they need additional support. Showing professional leadership.

8 Embedding Establish the “new” practice as the norm for your school and embody the spirit of “we can change”. Showing that change can work and stick.

Some Quick Observations

Innovation is not linear, its messy

Sometimes, you start doing A and end up doing W – this is where the journey takes you

Unlearning to innovate is as difficult as learning to innovate

Anyone can be an innovator – you just have to attend and engage in authentic listening to “catch” the dream

Those nearest to the learner are more likely to innovate than those in the Ministry charged with innovation

Resources can get in the way

What Gets in the Way?Activity 3

Six Barriers

Confidence and Courage – innovation is about risk taking

Peer support – within the school, within the district, within the discipline

Cost – most things cost something

Fear of Failure – falling at the first hurdle

Assuming “others” must be better

The overbearing curriculum

What Can Leaders Do to Enable Innovation?

Activity 4

3 Enabling Roles for Renaissance Leaders

Think AheadLead acrossDeliver within

Rethinking School Leadership

J-C Couture & Stephen Murgatroyd

Available on Kindle and at lulu.con