To create a sense of urgency, one must speak to the heart of the stakeholders. Without creating a sense of urgency, many new ideas and innovations fall to the wayside quickly, or may not be implemented at all. Without knowing and believing in your Why, it will be difficult to speak to the stakeholder’s hearts in your organization. The Why is the kindling that starts the fire and we want the fire to blaze and not peter out. According to Dr. John P. Kotter, high percentages of changes never make it to completion with fidelity. Because so many organizations fail to make the changes happen, it is imperative to create a sense of urgency. Starting the fire and stoking the winds of change is not an easy task. Therefore, it must be well thought out and strategically planned with the human heart at the center. The way to be successful is to reach not only the mind but the heart by providing data and information in a way that reaches both thinking and feeling in those listening (Kotter, 2011).

I plan on speaking to the stakeholders with a persuasive pitch that begins with my Why and includes real case studies told like a story. A good story is one way to speak to the heart.

Imagine a classroom where all students are engaged in learning that is meaningful to them. A place where a learner can grow their talents and interests instead of learning the same exact thing everyone in the room is learning. We all need to collaborate around creating and sharing solutions that reimagine the roles of the student and teacher as partners in sustaining vibrant learning communities. I truly believe in my Why. 

 

Education is in trouble because it has not changed. Teachers are leaving in record numbers. Students are disengaged and unhappy. We have all heard the saying that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. We cannot continue to expect improvement, or student satisfaction without making changes now. I know I can connect with the stakeholders in my organization because we see the same data and the same repeated problems without working solutions.

 

Our hearts and minds need to be in sync to incorporate a blended learning environment that empowers students and gives them agency over what they learn. If we do this then we will see a shift to happier teachers and students. If it is broken, let’s fix it. If we continue to talk about it without taking actionable steps now, we will continue to lose both teachers and students. Students deserve to leave the K-12 environment knowing their strengths with confident problem-solving skills to move on to their adult lives with success and the ability to learn with self-direction.

 

I believe that children our the future, let them learn what they want to learn, and watch them lead the way. It is time to stop treating them like a collective and start seeing them as the wonderful individuals they are. A blended learning environment can empower students to become innovators, critical thinkers, creators and collaborators who are prepared to continue learning in this ever changing world where being agile and adaptable are key strengths to a successful future.

 

Why should we do this? Because learning is for everyone and everyone is a unique individual.