3.2 Reflecting on the dancing guy

 

“If we want meaningful change, we have to make a connection to the heart before we can make a connection to the mind” (Couros, 2015). In order to build the type of culture and environment that will readily accept following a different path, trying something new, or creating something better, it is imperative that we work on building on strengthening our relationships. I have been fortunate to work with and lead very high functioning and successful teams and I have also experienced teams that were not successful. The ingredient for team success is always trust. By starting with trust, people will be more engaged and willing to give different a chance. The Dancing Guy and the momentum gained from the first follower is evidence.

As a technology leader, it is so important to build relationships and develop trust with everyone within the school system or institution. The more people that can buy in to creating innovative and meaningful change, the more momentum will gain. For me, it has been an important step to be sharing a lot of what I have experienced from our ISDT program with staff and faculty during meetings, leadership conferences, and student events. If I can utilize different programs that achieve better results, then I am excited to share the news with my colleagues. This excitement will create a buzz and others will become interested, curious, and more confident in trying new things as well.

Engaging in a Technology Facilitator Practicum has reinforced the value of building trust first as the foundation of the relationship. Having already worked with most of the people I am interacting with throughout the practicum, I have to be aware of reframing my objectives as a technology facilitator and seeing the system through that lens rather than my regular position. In a lot of ways, it almost like building a new relationship in order to redefine boundaries. I have been conscience to make sure that when people are curious or have questions – that I make the time to listen.

Through leading by example and really integrating different technology to improve student engagement and retention, I can see that certain individuals at my campus have started to incorporate similar strategies into their roles. A great example of how others have started to become curious occurred when I reported an increase in show rates for student appointments as a result of a scheduling app that I integrated for students to schedule Career Advisor appointments easier. The app is now being utilized for all support services at our campus. It only takes one dancing guy and a follower!

 

Covey, S. (2016, April). The speed of trust. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvIEfNyZ8B0

Couros, G. (2015). The innovator’s mindset. Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.

Sivers, D. (2011, February). First follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQ