Differentiated leadership is an emotional process according to Dr. Edwin Friedman. It requires one to self-regulate and set aside their ego when working with others. An effective leader recognizes that their behavior affects those they lead and can create toxicity in the environment if not kept in check. Our authentic efforts in building relationships and establishing a culture of trust will create environments that flourish.
In the video, Freidman's Theory of Differentiated Leadership Made Simple, Dr. Jonathan Camp shares ideas from A Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman. Dr. Friedman believes "self-differentiation is knowing where one ends and another begins." This means as a leader I will need to have a strong sense of my goals and be able to listen to issues without taking on the emotional baggage that one may bring into our group. As our district moves between virtual and in person learning, the librarians I work with may have more anxiety than normal. It is important that I not only bring calm to the group but also have clear, concise, and well-communicated goals when working with librarians on my innovation plan. If strong emotions, high stakes, or opposing opinions cause members of our group to shut down and become silent or have violent words, I will recognize that a crucial conversation needs to happen.
Crucial Conversations
Get Unstuck
Identify the reasons we might be stuck or what may be holding us back.
Innovation Plan: Reflect and identify reasons for not incorporating STEAM activities into literacy lessons before now.
Start with the Heart
Focus on what we want for ourselves, our practice, and our relationships.
Innovation Plan: Focus on what we want for ourselves and how implementing the innovation plan will be beneficial for our students. Share personal stories and pictures of how incorporating STEAM activities into library lessons improved engagement with my students.
Learn to Look
Watch for silence or violence in the group. Learn how to recognize when conversations and demeanors have changed.
Innovation Plan: As we actively participate in STEAM activities and begin to create plans for integration, I will look for librarians who may become silent or defensive as we move forward with plans. This may signal that they are feeling defeated or even that they lack the skill to continue. This will be my cue to make it safe for them to share their insecurities in a trusting environment.
Make it Safe
Create an environment of mutual respect so members of the group feel comfortable to voice their opinions or concerns.
Innovation Plan: As I begin working with my librarians, I will start with the heart and share my belief that each person is vital to the success of the group and that their opinions matter.
Master My Stories
During a crucial conversation it is important to stay in conversation and not let emotions get out of control.
Innovation Plan: It will be important for me, as a leader, to keep conversations moving and keep my emotions in check.
STATE My Path
Share my facts, Tell my story, Ask for other's paths, Talk tentatively, Encourage Testing
Innovation Plan: As my innovation plan comes together, I will need to stay focused on my path, but also invite others to help accomplish that goal. Librarians will have ideas that they want to share that will help us achieve our Wildly Important Goal of implementing STEAM activities into library lessons.
Explore Other Paths
Ask others to share, listen with good intent, and paraphrase what you hear.
Innovation Plan: As I listen to librarians share their paths to implementing STEAM into library lessons, I will listen with the intent to understand and be open to shifting my ideas while keeping the end in mind.
Move to Action
Talk, listen, find common ground, and come to consensus about how continue to meet the project goal.
Innovation Plan: Librarians in the group will have different ideas about how to incorporate STEAM activities into library lessons. That is ok! We may have crucial conversations, but we will move forward while keeping the Wildly Important Goal in mind: Integrate STEAM activities into library lessons.
References Camp, Jonathan. (2010, November 10). Friedman's Theory of Differentiated Learning. YouTube. https://youtu.be/RgdcljNV-Ew
Patterson, K., Grenny, J., & Swizler, A. (2012). Crucial conversations: tools for talking when stakes are high. (2nd ed.).