Hitting the Ground Learning
We’ve all heard the phrase to “hit the ground running”. New leaders are often under intense pressure to “do something—and fast”. The moment of job entry always seems rich with the possibility of productive change. Many of us, with the image of the hero front and centre in our minds, are all too ready to rush in and try to make everything better overnight.
The problem with this approach is that we all too quickly realize that there are no silver bullets. I am sure we have all seen new beginnings go awry because newly appointed leaders fail to address the confusion that is generated by the conflicting demands they face as they start their new job. They stumble all too soon and all the hopes and dreams of the community turn to disappointment.
The research tells us that a better approach is to have a plan to “hit the ground learning” instead of running. We need to commit ourselves to building relationships and taking charge of the learning process. By collecting the necessary knowledge as we build trust with our new colleagues, we can make sure that we lay the foundation for transformational change.
That is why I have committed myself to an entry plan which focuses on learning. At the moment, I am concentrating on having as many one on one and small group conversations as possible to learn all I can about SJK. Whenever I meet with people, I have asked the same four questions:
- What do you want me to know?
- What do you love about SJK and hope never changes?
- What positive change would you like to see at SJK?
- What is your advice for me?
The conversations have been fascinating and I have appreciated everyone’s willingness to engage with me in this dialogue. My favourite from the last week was my conversation with our Student Council. Our conversation was rich with insights and ideas and I learned a lot about SJK from them.
My plan once I have finished gathering information is to then engage in a process of “sense-making”. In order to do this, I will analyze what I have heard from the community to determine where we should go from here.
If you would like to help me “hit the ground learning”, feel free to book an appointment to speak with me. I would love your help in ensuring that I am prepared to lead our School and create long-term, positive and sustainable improvement.
Head of School
St. John's Kilmarnock School
©2018 St John’s-Kilmarnock School. All Rights Reserved.
