Leader Development Newsletter
Anniversary Issue
August 2018
Last month we hosted our annual national conference, What’s Right in Education, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and showcased the work of our partners in academic, operational and process improvement. The chance to network, learn and laugh with each other created an unforgettable experience. WRiE provides us with the occasion to celebrate “What is Right.”
You Are Here. Assess the Current State.
Summer 2018
Pausing to reflect and assess where we are and where we want to go as an organization is a powerful process and core to continuous improvement. Taking the time for deep conversations with our teams and reviewing data to inform our 90-day plans for improvement can lead to collaboration across departments and divisions. This reflection process helps us learn from our wins as well as our challenges.
Making the Best Decisions
May 2018
To make good decisions we need to look at the right data which may not always be quantifiable. The information we gather from our stakeholders helps us know what the people we serve are thinking. It helps us frame the best decision. When we use our data, we make effective actionable decisions. The protocols we use to frame our decision-making provide clarity for what type of input needed from those around the table.
Refining Processes for Improvement
April 2018
Refining processes is key to the improvement and growth of an organization. Organizations must continuously collect data, identify barriers to improve based on the data, and continuously monitor that data to stay on target and hit goals. To do so, we need the right strategy and structure.
Action Planning Builds Accountability to Meet Organizational Goals
February 2018
Action planning is the process of clarifying what resources are required to reach the goal, formulating a timeline for when specific tasks need to be completed, and determining who will be responsible for each action toward goal achievement. High-performing leaders, like those featured in this newsletter, take time to work at and refine the action planning process to achieve meaningful results.
Performance Conversations Move Organizations Forward
January 2018
High performing organizations with passion-driven leaders and engaged employees understand the importance of having effective communication practices. These practices include performance conversations focused on coaching employees to higher levels of performance. Performance conversations recognize the good work of employees, retain high performing employees, and coach employees to higher levels of success.
Results Rollout for Improvement
November 2017
Some of the best organizations focus on gaining input from others to learn about areas working well and those needing improvements. The transformation of an organization’s engagement and satisfaction levels begins when leaders involve stakeholders in what we call a results rollout process. Leaders ask for feedback and input to better understand what is working well and the challenges to resolve.
Continuing to Connect with Rounding
October 2017
Last month, we described the importance of having intentional conversations with employees at the 30- and 90-day marks. By rounding, we mean asking employees what is working well, what can be improved, who has been helpful, and following up on the feedback gathered. We believe rounding is the most important leadership tactic for creating solid bonds with those entrusted to help us achieve results.
Conversations to Connect & Retain
September 2017
Having 30/90-day conversations with new employees is a practice that should consistently be carried out. These conversations are important for engaging the new hire. They are also valuable for you, as a leader, to gain a new perspective on your organization and make changes to better your organization.
Onboarding Never Stops
August 2017
One of our highest priorities is to retain high performing employees and support new employees to achieve at their highest potential. Applying high quality on-boarding experiences for new employees gives us the opportunity to share our purpose and organizational expectations, and to showcase how employees engage with each other to achieve goals.
Data for Action
June 2017
This is an ideal time to sit with our leadership teams to do a deep dive data review and engage in reflective discussions about areas working well and those needing improvements.
Using Data to Reflect
May 2017
High-performing leaders realize the importance of using data for reflection and improvement. Reflecting on the right data is important across the organization.
Bonding with the Board
Apr. 2017
In the School District of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, the board and district leadership team have partnered in a formal way to collect, present, and analyze data for action planning.
Feedback for Change
Mar. 2017
People want to work for a high performing organization and for leaders who have a genuine concern about their well-being, invest in their development and provide feedback that helps them reach their highest potential.
Round Out Leadership: Rounding as a Power Practice
Feb. 2017
The top tactic for employee engagement is leader rounding. Rounding allows leaders to recognize and reward success, while informing process needs and improvements. During rounding conversations, leaders are encouraged to ask direct reports:
- What is working well for you?
- Do you have what you need to do your job?
- Is there anything I can do to help you continue to perform well?
- Is there anyone who has been especially helpful to you?
Conversation: A Tool for Change
Jan. 2017
Change in behavior happens through conversation. In our work with individuals and teams, we have learned the opportunity for achievement of desired actions and outcomes follows explicit discussion.
Recognize What Matters
Dec. 2016
Reward and recognition serve to validate the good work of employees at all levels, as well as encourage repetition of behaviors that make our systems best places to work and learn. As you engage in reflection, with the close of the year, take time to consider how you might systematize reward and recognition.
Keep the Throttle Down: Managing Organizational Change
Oct. 2016
Our team frequently reminds leaders, “In education, even the way we change has changed.” In the midst of constant change, what remains in education is the desire to have purpose, do worthwhile work, and make a difference in the lives of those they touch.
Find Time Through Process Improvement
Sept. 2016
As we work with leaders around the country, we are frequently asked for time management tips. Our Studer Education team has learned that process improvement is the most effective time-saver.
Motivate What Matters
Aug. 2016
Coaching includes teaching, supporting, and facilitating teams to gain the skills they need to execute the strategic action to achieve results. It cascades down to all departments.