Change happens by starting.  We can make the best plans, give life changing information and share brilliant ideas, but the real struggles occur when we want to start making moves.  Here lies the importance of The 4 Disciplines of Execution.  Based on this strategy, there are 4 rules and behaviors that affect the changes for our organization to make gains.  Each one builds on the other and I find this extremely beneficial to put into practice for the implementation of my innovation project, Redefining Rigor. 

Focus on the Wildly Important 

What is described as the “whirlwind” can usually prevent the tunnel vision we need to accomplish a goal.  Although important to keep the organization running, it is overwhelming and stops lots of great ideas from becoming action.  Due to the fact that there is so much on our plates at one time, there needs to be laser focus on the wildly important goal.  It should be focused, time specific.  The WIG for this project will be the following: 

·        From August 2021 to May 2022, technology teachers will implement ePortfolios in their classroom.

Act on the Lead Measures

If we plan to implement a weekly assignment that can be submitted by students into the eportfolio, this could influence the WIG.  The lead measures are described as the leverage that is needed to move the goal.  Without it, we are only wishing and praying that the end result, or lag measures, will follow suit.  This measure should be highly predictable.  It should be so influenceable that if it does not occur, there is no realistic way to get to the goal without it.  

Create a Compelling Scoreboard

When maintaining our momentum, it is important to know where we stand.  Are we winning this race?  Is my progress helping or hindering the team?  Can I do better?  All these questions should quickly be answered by what is called a scoreboard.  In this visual representation, we will quickly be able to determine where we stand based on the WIG, lead measures and a quick tracking tool that will be designed by the team.  Although it is easy to track grades and scores, we will need creativity to ensure that we are on the right track.  Ideas could range from a creative way to display student products, rubrics, or collected data from teachers on their progress and work.  Whatever the decision, our work will be at the forefront of our minds throughout our daily tasks.  And we will be able to influence these changes.  

Create a Cadence of Accountability

In this final and most socially influential rule, the team will commit to a regularly scheduled meeting (biweekly or weekly) that will keep us on track and responsible for the commitments we make.  We will review the scoreboard we created and use it in relation to each members’ personal progress.  Each team member will briefly discuss the previously made commitments, its impact on the lead measures, and how we can use what we know to influence what commitments we will make for the future.  In 30 minutes or less, teachers will come prepared with previously stated information in addition to student products, rubrics, feedback or observations.  

With a careful combination of the actions, the journey to a successfully reached goal will be well within reach.  But will this be a smooth process?  When implementing the 4 Disciplines of Execution, it is helpful to be knowledgeable about the different phases in the project.  These phases are known as the 5 Stages of Change

5 Stages of Change

Getting Clear

At the beginning of my lessons, I have to reveal the objective to my students.  This is what we are here to do.  This is why it is important.  This is how it can make us better.  And this is how you can measure your understanding and objective goal.  From there, it is up to the student to commit, work and track their success to get to the finish line.  This is exactly the same thing that occurs at the beginning stage of installing the 4DX model for accomplishing goals.  As a leader, I am going to try the “buy in” technique.  Frontload my team with information and get them to commit to the task at hand.  These goals will consist of embarking on this journey utilizing theh 4 disciplines of execution.  The WIGs, or Wildly Important Goal; Acting on Lead Measures; Keeping a Compelling Scoreboard and Creating a Cadence of Accountability.  Once these elements of implementation are clear, we can then begin to move the boulder.

Launch

Since we know what we want to do and how we are going to get it done, its time to get excited about this work.  As with anything, we know there will be some challenges along the way.  As a team, however, we can help each other, hold each other accountable, and find better ways to get things done.  We know it won’t be perfect, but we will be one step closer to helping our students become the self-reflective and accountable learners they need to be. Our collective greatness will only help us succeed, especially when times get tough – and they will!

Adoption

As we get deeper and more comfortable in the process, there will be less resistance.  The boulder we are trying to move may not seem insurmountable any more.  This means we are showing progress.  We are understanding the work it takes to be productive in our execution and it will show if we continue the motions toward the finish line.  The whirlwind we all experience will surely play a role in our work, however, we must not focus on it.  Not one little bit.  It will always be there willing to distract us and bring friction to the process, but with practice and commitment, the pieces will more easily fit together as we move toward the goal. 

Optimization

From adoption, we are now rolling.  We know what we are doing, and we can actually see and feel the end of the race.  The finish line is within reach and are facing the last few hurdles that will bring success to our goal.  We just have to keep pushing!

Habits

Finally, the process has become second nature.  We have not only reached our goals, but we know that we can use this same behavior to reach any future goals.  The most important element of the habit phase of change is the celebration of our goal attainment!  The commitment, time and achievement of the goal – WITHIN THE WHIRLWIND – is something to be proud of.  Each person took the time, energy and focus to get it done! 

Since we now have made this habitual behavior, we will begin a new goal or WIG with the same process, knowing that, we can achieve almost anything when sticking to the process and maintaining the commitments.  There is no returning to ineffective goal setting and unattainable accomplishments.  It is now important to continue the process and understand that it can be used for ALL goals and it will change the culture to become one of masterful execution with well planned and thought out goals and processes.  The behavior has now been affected to produce results enthusiastically rather than to comply. 

The most important perspective of both the 4 disciplines of execution and the influencer model is that behavior is what drives change.  The influencer model is more heavily influenced by the behavior aspect of change, drawing on six influences that lead to it. It makes us realize that although people want to change, we cannot depend on their own reason and logic for it to occur.  Common sense is working against us and we must build on personal, social and structural aspects to drive change.  All three of those elements must have a motivational and ability focus tied to each aspect. The Four Disciplines of Execution, however, focuses first on the actual work.  The disciplines that assist with the implementation process.  Separately, the behavior it takes to follow through and what can be expected from the team is preventative and prescriptive. 

When comparing, it is important to notice that the influencer model stresses the importance of the results we want and identifying vital behaviors that must be addressed in order to reach the goal.  This is similar to the  WIG and lead measures, respectively, from the 4DX model.  Additionally, behaviors and goals to be measured are comparable in both models.  I believe it would be best to use the six sources of influence to first find the most detailed and precise way to focus on the change of behavior for goal achievement.  When the influencer model is complete it is easier to adjust changes and amend ideas based on what the 4DX model has to offer.  In the end, both schools of thought and practicality will lead to extraordinary gains while creating a culture of focus with an expectation of success.  Each model demonstrates that there will be bumps and distractions along the way.  Whether in the form of a whirlwind or by behavioral resistance, the maximization of the greatest resource – the team – is what ultimately yields success.