Quick Start Guide

Initiating Power Hour at your Institution:

Leadership Involvement: Gain support from educational leaders and administrators.
Training Sessions: Conduct workshops to introduce the Power Hour concept.
Resource Distribution: Provide access to a Power Hour Resource Folder.
Feedback Mechanism: Establish a feedback loop to continually refine the process.
Adaptability: Tailor the Power Hour to suit the unique needs of your institution.

Benefits of Power Hour Implementation:

Improved individual and team productivity.
Enhanced professional development and skill-building.
Strengthened team cohesion and collaboration.
Fostered a culture of continuous learning and intentional goal-setting.

Steps to setting up Power Hour as a component of Training

Step 1: Set the Team Up for Success

Objective: Prepare the team for the integration of Power Hour during training.
Activity: Communicate the purpose and benefits of Power Hour to the team.
Implementation:
- Emphasize how Power Hour enhances teamwork, creativity, and personal growth.
- Highlight the positive impact of Power Hour on individual and team productivity.

Step 2: Embed Power Hour into Training

Objective: Seamlessly integrate Power Hour into the training curriculum.
Activity: Discuss the structure of Power Hour and its relevance to the team.
Implementation:
- Allocate dedicated time within the training schedule for Power Hour sessions.
- Introduce Power Hour as a collaborative practice for team building.

Step 3: Create a Reading Library

Objective: Foster a culture of continuous learning through curated readings.
Activity: Establish a shared Reading Library accessible to the team.
Implementation:
- Populate the library with articles, books, and resources related to training content.
- Encourage team members to contribute by suggesting relevant readings.

Step 4: Suggest Relevant Readings During Training

Objective: Align Power Hour readings with ongoing training topics.
Activity: Integrate suggested readings that complement the training curriculum.
Implementation:
- Provide context for suggested readings during training sessions.
- Discuss how the readings enhance understanding and application of training concepts.

Step 5: Allow Time for Power Hour During Training

Objective: Ensure participants have dedicated time for Power Hour.
Activity: Incorporate Power Hour sessions into the training schedule.
Implementation:
- Clearly communicate the importance of Power Hour and its connection to training objectives.
- Encourage participants to actively engage in Power Hour activities.

Step 6: Create a Habit

Objective: Establish a routine for Power Hour practice.
Activity: Encourage participants to make Power Hour a regular part of their routine.
Implementation:
- Lead by example and participate in Power Hour alongside the trainees.
- Emphasize the positive impact of consistent Power Hour practice on personal and team development.

Step 7: Be Consistent During Training

Objective: Reinforce the importance of consistency in Power Hour.
Activity: Emphasize the commitment to regular Power Hour sessions.
Implementation:
- Avoid skipping Power Hour sessions during the training period.
- Use consistent language and messaging to reinforce its value.

Step 8: Keep It Going

Objective: Promote the continuation of Power Hour beyond training.
Activity: Schedule ongoing Power Hour sessions post-training.
Implementation:
- Set up calendar invites for periodic Power Hour sessions.
- Encourage trainees to continue Power Hour individually or in small groups.

Step 9: Power Hour Share Sessions

Objective: Facilitate collaboration and idea sharing within the team.
Activity: Establish regular sessions where team members share their Power Hour experiences.
Implementation:
- Create a safe space for individuals to discuss their insights and reflections.
- Encourage cross-functional sharing to foster diverse perspectives.

Step 10: Expand with Power Hour Residency and Curated Power Hours

Objective: Enhance Power Hour by inviting external perspectives and thematic discussions.
Activity: Introduce guests from other departments and curated reading sessions.
Implementation:
- Schedule "Power Hour Residency" sessions with external guests.
- Implement "Curated Power Hours" with selected themes and reading lists.

Steps to setting up Power Hour for Small Teams as a Community of Practice

Step 1: Identify the Core Group

Objective: Form a small, dedicated group willing to experiment with Power Hour.
Implementation:
- Personally reach out to individuals who share enthusiasm for productivity and professional development.
- Emphasize the benefits of Power Hour in fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Step 2: Initial Introduction and Orientation

Objective: Introduce Power Hour and its potential impact.
Implementation:
- Host an informal meeting to explain the concept and benefits of Power Hour.
- Share success stories and examples of Power Hour in similar contexts.

Step 3: Establish Clear Objectives

Objective: Define specific goals for Power Hour implementation.
Implementation:
- Collaboratively identify the primary objectives for the Power Hour sessions.
- Align goals with the team's current projects and professional development needs.

Step 4: Create a Shared
Resource Hub

Objective: Provide a centralized platform for resource sharing.
Implementation:
- Set up a shared digital folder or platform for articles, readings, and collaborative documents.
- Encourage members to contribute relevant resources and articles.

Step 5: Pilot Power Hour Sessions

Objective: Initiate small-scale Power Hour sessions.
Implementation:
- Schedule the first few Power Hour sessions as experimental and non-mandatory.
- Choose a consistent time that accommodates everyone's schedules.

Step 6: Encourage Open Reflection

Objective: Foster a culture of reflection and idea-sharing.
Implementation:
- Allocate time during and after Power Hour for open discussion and reflection.
- Create a platform for members to share insights, challenges, and lessons learned.

Step 7: Gradual Expansion

Objective: Extend Power Hour participation to interested colleagues.
Implementation:
- Encourage existing members to invite colleagues who might benefit from Power Hour.
- Host informational sessions to onboard new participants and maintain momentum.

Step 8: Formalize Power Hour Practices

Objective: Establish regularity and commitment to Power Hour.
Implementation:
- Define a consistent schedule for Power Hour sessions.
- Encourage all participants to commit to a minimum number of sessions per month.

Step 9: Leverage Success for Advocacy

Objective: Use early successes to advocate for broader adoption.
Implementation:
- Showcase positive outcomes, increased productivity, or successful project outcomes resulting from Power Hour.
- Share testimonials and feedback from participating members.

Step 10: Evaluate and Adjust

Objective: Continuously assess the effectiveness of Power Hour.
Implementation:
- Conduct regular surveys or feedback sessions to understand the impact on individual and team performance.
- Adjust the structure or frequency of Power Hour based on feedback and evolving team needs.

Step 11: Share the Experience

Objective: Disseminate the Power Hour success story within the institution.
Implementation:
- Prepare a brief presentation or document highlighting the journey and outcomes.
- Advocate for broader adoption and encourage other teams to explore Power Hour.

Note: Adapt the plan based on the size, structure, and culture of your institution. Flexibility and open communication are key to the successful implementation of Power Hour within small groups.