Education is undergoing a shift. Educational thinkers are reflecting about how schools can be organized the most effectively, how can we meet the needs of students? How can we create a body of learners who will be contributing members of society? As the mission of Alberta Education states; "Every student has access to educational opportunities needed to develop competencies required to contribute to an enriched society and a sustainable economy." (Alberta Education, 2010, p.1). Educational leaders and school leaders alike are questioning the effectiveness of our education system. Where there are schools that are not working, we need to intervene. Where there are technological changes in society, we evaluate the use of it for education. Where there are philosophical changes, moving from modernity to a post-modern ethos, reflection about organization and how we teach our kids needs to take place. Global change, along with the advent of new technologies is leading to the realization that we must change. It is our challenge to identify how we can go about it in the best way.
Transforming a school from one that is a sinking school to one that is moving requires change. This change will often be led by leadership. Gladwell's work on epidemics provides some insight for leadership, particularly how they would go about it, pointing to the people involved. He provides some practical insights for change and recognizing change agents. Gladwell refers to three types of people who act as agents of change involved in the generation of an epidemic: the Connector, the Maven and the Salesman. How can we connect these individuals to education? What will they look like in schools? What role will they have in change?
Connectors are individuals who seem to have their foot in a large number of different worlds (Gladwell, 2002, p.51). They have an instinct to relate to people. They genuinely enjoy meeting and getting to know others. We are familiar with these types of individuals in our own personal lives, in our own work settings.
At a school these individuals may be a coach of a major sport, teaching within an academic class, supportive of the arts and the student events that occur throughout the year. These people will be constantly visible, in the hallways, during lunch, and early in the morning. They will seek out others to converse, be the first to say "Hello", settle into the moment and engage in a conversation with others as if they are old friends. They will always appear to have time for you. Being able to recognize who these individuals are within a staff will be important in the sharing of information, to have ideas spread throughout the staff. Getting to know who they are will allow leaders an "in" with the staff, particularly if you are a new leader. Recognizing the power of connection they provide, leadership needs to ensure that these people are kept close to the administration team. They will have the ability to move information fast and to numerous people.
Mavens are the next group of individuals within the staff that may impact change in education. Gladwell (2002) defines the term Maven as coming from the Yiddish language as "one who accumulates knowledge." (p.61). Mavens are those individuals that have a genuine desire to help others through providing information to others, giving insightful advice in an honest and non-judgemental way. They seem to know the inside scoop and are happy to share it with you.
Within a school Mavens can be identified as those individuals that are aware of the newest trends in education, the latest and greatest way to present ideas. Not only do they know about them, they have taken the time to evaluate them as well. With open honesty they will know if the ideas are good and will share them with others when the need arises. They are trusted by their colleagues and more often then not if they suggest to do something it will be effective. In addition to knowing they are very eager to find out little tidbits from others. They not only like sharing their own information but they are rampant collectors of it. Being familiar with the educational Maven will allow school leadership to know who to induce new ideas to. They will help in genuine ways to evaluate the new ideas and thus inform you as a leader. Knowing the educational Maven will be to your advantage to help move change, as ideas emerge and this trusted individual puts a stamp on it, others will listen.
The final group of individuals that Gladwell refers to are the Salesmen. These individuals are charismatic optimists that love people. They have a contagious personality with an innate ability to draw people in. With their subtle facial expressions and their enthusiastic nature they are able to engage in a dance with others. They often dictate a subconscious interaction of verbal rhythm leading to an overall increase in happiness, enthusiasm and relaxation with those whom which they interact (Gladwell, 2002, p.83). As a result people listen to these individuals become emotionally at ease and thus are attentive when they pitch new ideas.
As for their role in schools, they will be the individuals that will help communicate change to the rest of the staff. Ideally you would want to have a Salesmen on your leadership team. This individual may be able to set your staff at ease increasing the likelihood that change would be effective.
Leading change within an educational setting is dynamic and not easy. The grip of modernity on the education system resists systematic change. Faced with this monolith, leadership will need to call on all it's tools to help bring it about. Recognizing the change agents within a staff will help bring about school/ system reform. Having connectors, mavens and salesmen on your team will take you one step closer to a better educational system and hopefully a system where the needs of parties involved are met.
References
Alberta Education. (2010). Guide to Education. Retrieved from http://education.alberta.ca/media/832568/guidetoed.pdf
Gladwell, M. (2002). The Tipping Point- How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. New York, NY: Back Bay Books.
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