The client and their challenge
A large urban school in Aotearoa asked Stephen for some help with a very specific challenge. Already advanced in their digital journey and established as a BYOD school, they had received news that one of the platforms they used regularly was changing. The version of Microsoft Stream that their staff was accustomed to was being discontinued, and they were seeking guidance for their digital lead as they managed the change across the school.
The solution: equipping a key person with tools for change management
Stephen put together a mentoring package for the school’s digital lead that would help them through the change management process, provide any necessary technical support, and build on their existing leadership skills to better equip them for this challenge and any future ones.
Several of our tried-and-true tools were used: Stephen looked at their CliftonStrengths profile and Educational Leadership Capability Framework profile to inform the mentoring sessions. The platform change was used as a real learning opportunity to develop leadership and change management skills.
The key for a smooth change from the current video platform to a new one was being proactive: making sure that all staff members were prepared ahead of time and keeping lines of communication open so that everyone felt understood and supported. It was important to maintain the rapport and goodwill of the teaching staff in this school which was already doing well in its digital journey. Having looked at Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory and the Kotter change management framework, Stephen encouraged the digital lead to prepare the ground well with pilot programmes that caught any bugs before the proper rollout.
The outcome: a smooth switch and future focus
There were three strands to what was achieved with the mentoring sessions:
Good proactive support, communication, and change management meant that the switch to the new video platform went off well, with minimal speed bumps. The few small issues that did crop up were easily navigated thanks to the carefully-laid groundwork and the goodwill generated amongst those affected.
The change was not a simple switch; the digital lead took the opportunity to make sure it was also an upgrade. In addition to the new and improved tech, they worked to improve the teachers’ pedagogical knowledge around how to use the platform and increase awareness of the benefits of using it across the school. The hope is that in the future, more people will use it – and use it more effectively.
The digital lead received general leadership development. This included better awareness of their personal strengths and weaknesses, knowledge of when and how to delegate things, and tools for leading change in the future. They were not just equipped to navigate this one specific change, but also many others to come.
Would you like this kind of targeted help with your own digital change management? Want to navigate challenges in a way that preserves the goodwill and enthusiasm of your team? Think e-Learning can help you to identify best practice for your unique circumstances and equip your digital leads to succeed. Get in touch and let’s discuss!
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