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Building buy-inSelling change in your organizationBrian WoodlandNSPRA 2011www.peelschools.orgwww.linkedin.com/in/BrianWoodlandhashtag: #nspra11
Building Buy In Nspra
But Brian I am so busy…even when I try to relax…
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
““Any committee that is of the slightest use is composed of people who are too busy to want to sit on it for a second longer than they have to. - Katharine Whitehorn
Building Buy In Nspra
You need to work at buy-in to break through the clutter, get attention, and build real team commitment
Building Buy In Nspra
““Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the ‘right stuff’ to turn our dreams into reality- James Womack
What we will do together...What is buy-in for?
A bit about change—and us
Get a system commitment
Get a yes from leadership
A quick case in point
Thunderous applause, great evaluations, lunch
Good PR starts with relationships, with the public,  one-to-one
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
““Preserve and use the human moment. - Crazy Busy
Building Buy In Nspra
The point of the video…If we want to reveal the smile we need to go past -what we see-to who the person really is
Brian WoodlandDirector of Communications, speaker, Dad
Adopted son with an adopted sonWrite down-what people see-who you are
A “Transparent” MomentYou need to practice grounding
Building Buy In Nspra
Why? Because you are here...Am I missing important Will and Kate coverage?
I could use a drink—of water or something.
Should I call my spouse?
I could sleep for five days straight.
When is lunch?
Will this get funny soon??About Grounding...an inclusion activity
sets norms for humour, participation
brings people into the present
demonstrates value for others
gets brains in the room
focuses mental energyWhat we will do together...What is buy-in for?What are you trying to get buy-in for? what is “right” from a PR perspective
the superintendent’s vision
what is best for kidsWhat are you trying to get buy-in for?what is “right” from a PR perspective
Don’t squander your buy-in opportunities with things that just don’t matter—like a staff newsletter!
What are the “right things”?Increase openness/transparency
Support district strategic plan
Do not “sell” district
Not about superintendent image
Encourage parent involvement
Respond to needs of schoolsWhat are you trying to get buy-in for?the superintendent’s visionBy using powerful language, positive communication style, and non-verbal expressiveness, leaders breathe life into a vision.   The Leadership Challenge
The superintendent’s vision-really?As system leader has role to guide
You have role to support, enable
Not image-building
 Not automatically a “yes”
 Remember role of board
 Even when you don’t like the idea
 Even if you don’t like superintendentLike what?“Consult” vs “inform”
K-8 vs K-12
Student lotteryWithout buy-in, people can’t stand the pressureNeed to build real commitment
Staff need to make initiatives their own
Takes time to internalize
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
 developed with faith groups
 system expectation that events will be planned based on the dates
 we have moved, cancelled events that conflicted with faith days
Building Buy In Nspra
Without buy-in, people can’t stand the pressureWithout buy-in no good act can stand up to even one negative voiceWhat are you trying to get buy-in for?what is best for kids
What’s best for kids direct support of schools
will it help students succeed?
research supports
What we will do together...A bit about change—and usWe need a common understanding of what “change” means…
Building Buy In Nspra
A bit about change—and us how do “we” feel about change?
how do “they” feel about change?
what do we do?Do we really notice how much has changed around us...
Building Buy In Nspra
How do “we” feel about change? yes, thank you!
we love the challenge, the excitement
it’s a rush!Our theme song about change…
How do “they” feel about change? no, thank you
I said no
I mean no.“Their” theme song about change?
Quick quiz:What percentage of your time—and that of the senior leaders in your district—is devoted to creating a shared and outwardly focussed long-term view of the future? The average time amongst senior executives is around __ per cent?
Answer: 3%Source: The Leadership Challenge, James Kouzes and Barry Posner
Building Buy In Nspra
““People don’t resist change. They resist being changed!- Peter Senge
Top 5 barriers to change (idea-killers)We’ve never done it beforeWe tried that once and it failedWe don’t have enough moneyIt is the wrong time of year 5.	Can we talk about it more?
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
““Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have—and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up.- James Belasco
Building Buy In Nspra
Remember the...…
What do you think of when I say “the Alamo”?
Building Buy In Nspra
““If you want to build a ship, don't gather your people and ask them to provide wood, prepare tools, assign tasks. Call them together and raise in their minds the longing for an endless sea. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Question time:What is our “longing for an endless sea”?
““If there is hope in the future there is power in the present.- John Maxwell
Building Buy In Nspra
““Hope is the great activator.- ZigZiglar
145,000 students: One picture of the futureGetting to the heart of the matter be passionate about what you believe
 be the ongoing advocate
 be willing talk the talk
 be prepared to take the high road
 use your communication prowess
lead the conversation about learning
““Hope is the foundational quality of all change.- Alfred Adam
There are good ways and bad ways to make change happen...
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
““Changing the attitude and behaviour of people is very, very hard to accomplish. You can't simply give a couple of speeches or write a new credo. If employees don't see the key changes in what you say and do and in your behaviours and mannerisms, it's hard to change the culture. - Thomas J. Neff and James M. Citrin, You’re in Charge—Now What?
““Management deals with the here and now. Leadership looks beyond the present to imagine what could be.- Jim Clemmer, Leader's Digest
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
““Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.- JFK
What we will do together...Get a system commitmentWhat we say...“R” for research critical part of our RACE work
We believe in listening
All ideas are good ideas
We want to hear other voices
Building Buy In Nspra
And we do for external audiences. But really, we think people in our district should just…
The truth is... we just want people to trust in our fabulousness!
Why...This is our area of expertise
We know what’s best
Frustrated by slow pace
Some ideas are dopey
And  the big one..people will love our idea so much they won’t worry that we did not consult..In other words we are...
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
WBI
WBIWORLD’S BEST IDEA
We are VERY excited about our WBI...WBI
Building Buy In Nspra
We are afraid if we share our WBI internal staff might not recognize our innate brilliance...WBI
Building Buy In Nspra
Bad news.  Not everyone will love your WBI.Ever.
But the pesky input makes your WBI even better. Always.WBI
We need to honour and respect the experience of our internal audiences—seek, award and recognize their expertise
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Can’t be by coincidence. Need to create formal structures for input.
Sometimes we do great works and the fabulous “thing”, “initiative” or even the “WBI” comes back to us like…
Building Buy In Nspra
WBIWORLD’S BEST IDEA
Would you like a fast, easy and free way to avoid the boomerang....WBI
Create a work team/advisory committeeMeet monthly
Agenda input shared
Formal representation from principals, vice-principals, assistant superintendents, business
 Minutes posted online
Test ideas out, get feedback
Hear how things are on the ground
Builds buy-in. Big time. ““Breakthrough innovations depend on ordinary people bridging their expertise and building their communities around their insights.  - Kathleen Eisenhardt
Remember to pay attention to all system leaders…
““Leadership is action, not position.- Donald H. McGannon
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
What we will do together...Get a yes from leadership
Us
Over-eager
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
			Them
Super factual
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
There is a missing comma on page 63, paragraph four, line 12...
So that makes us worry our leadership team meeting experience will be less this…
Building Buy In Nspra
		And more this…
Building Buy In Nspra
Get a “yes” from leadershipBe part of the “ring of fire”
Do a good job
Welcome input-don’t take personally
Know rules
Watch your language
Know you will not win them all
Be prepared
Talk kidsGet a “yes” from leadershipBe part of the “ring of fire”Are you at the table?
Your role—take it and communicate it as directed. Period.YOUThe unofficial org chart“The Action”Decisions, interplay, discussions, arguments
At the table in PeelOn senior teamon executive committeeat private session of boardon contingency teamsat director’s councilpart of the ‘learning side’ of the organization
Building Buy In Nspra
Ways to get to the table___ become the organizational expert on crisis and crisis planning__ when you attend, be insightful__ find reasons to come to meetings__ find a buddy__ leverage successes__ read and share__ become a good predictor/issue watcher__ always know the news__use other districts as a rationale__ don’t take no for an answerYour ideas...
			NOSay NO to NO!
Get a “yes” from leadershipDo a good jobDo you sometimes find yourself in the “usual” roles?
Building Buy In Nspra
Not this…
Question: What is the role and value of you as a  school district PR person?
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
 On ounce of prevention… Unless you are:A voice at the table
Focussed on learning
Part of the learning team
Integrated into the organization
Seen as more than a frill or budget cut fodder
Then you cannot build buy-in.Question time... What is your “C” level in the district?
CredibilityWhat do we want most as professional communicators in education? (quick tip—not a cool new mug!)
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
““The pinnacle is that of a trusted advisor, in which virtually all issues are open to discussion and exploration. The trusted advisor is who we turn to when an issue first arises.- The Trusted Advisor
Why they should NOT listen to you you came from the public sector, or straight from college... You really know nothing about education, and I don’t even believe this “PR” thing is a profession, so I will do what I think is best
You came from the private sector as a trained communicator... You don’t get education, and you never will. You never worked the frontlines, so I will do what I think is best.
You were a teacher in the system... You don’t know anything that I don’t know, so I will do what I think is best. So, how do you become the trusted advisor Win awards
Get your APR
Manage crises and issues superbly
Stay focussed on what matters to your district
Building Buy In Nspra
The communication department’s work is focused on service to schools and their staff						Janet McDougald				Chair of the Board				Peel District School Board
Late breaking news…I do not have a strategic communications plan!
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Sometimes put your leadership team or board through a stress test!
““We are willing to pay an expert hundreds of dollars an hour for advice, but we're unwilling to pay ourselves the courtesy of trusting that our own instincts and knowledge can guide us to successful completion.- Eric Maisel
Get a “yes” from leadershipWelcome input-don’t take personally
Super factual
Even brutally honest feedback makes us better—to a point…
Building Buy In Nspra
With so many team players and cheerleaders the brutally honest make us better.  Really.
Someone needs to tell you about the missing comma...
““Leaders learn by leading, and they learn best by leading in the face of obstacles. As weather shapes mountains, problems shape leaders.- Warren Bennis
Get a “yes” from leadershipKnow rulesUnderstand the structure, rules of engagement and how group works together…
Building Buy In Nspra
Ask..how is agenda structured, where am I on the agenda, who else is on the agenda, how and when are questions taken, who is there, how much/little background etc.
In other words, know the secret handshake, or hand gesture…
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Why not just have the superintendent tell them we are doing it…
Get a “yes” from leadershipWatch your languageDon’t let the wrong words form a barrier to getting ideas through leadership council in a “presentation”
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Watch your wordsJournalism
Gotcha Journalism“Is your item for information, dialogue or discussion...”
Get a “yes” from leadershipKnow you will not win them all
If only every idea—no matter how un-sellable—was this easy to sell to senior team
Building Buy In Nspra
We believe our communication skills will prevail, but some ideas aren’t sellable…
Building Buy In Nspra
Get a “yes” from leadershipBe preparedBe prepared, be calm, be ready.  Not…
Building Buy In Nspra
If under pressure you sweat, lose track of words, flush red, sob uncontrollably—don’t. And be ready.
Building Buy In Nspra
Building Buy In Nspra
Don’t have a missing comma on page 63, paragraph four, line 12...
Building Buy In Nspra
And being prepared means if you don’t have the right answers, you have the right questions
Building Buy In Nspra
““Questions wake people up. They prompt new ideas. They show people new places, new ways of doing things. They help us admit that we don’t have all the answers. They help us become confident communicators- Leading With Questions
Get a “yes” from leadershipTalk kids““To work in the world lovingly means that we are defining what we will be for—rather than reacting to what we are against.- Christine Baldwin
Building Buy In Nspra
Students need this and………..………………………………….…………………………………….………………………….for children.
““Change the world—one conversation at a time… It is not enough to be willing to speak. The time has come for you to speak. Your time of holding back, of guarding you private thoughts, is over. Your function in life is to make a declarative statement.- Susan Scott
Building Buy In Nspra
Speak your mind—even when your voice shakes.
What we will do together...A quick case in point5 horrifying, jaw-dropping ideas to shut down your senior teamLet’s open up Facebook for all students and staffLet’s post senior admin and trustee expenses onlineLet’s publish our school-by-school violence statisticsWe need to develop a policy around washroom use by transgendered students and staffLet’s change the board logo
About our culture generally do not like change
 thrifty
 PR-averse
 process is their friend
 site-based resistance to direction from centre
 of 20,000 staff, 19,998 think they are designersLogo dated from creation of the original Peel County Board of Education in 1969—and it looked it.
Building Buy In Nspra
145,000 students: One picture of the futureAbout the (beloved) old logo created 36 years ago for the Peel County Board of Education
 survived four name changes
 is a big “P” and says our names starts with P
 was not used consistently, not on school letterhead
 not on one of our 221 “branches”
 people had an unnatural affection for the “P”--especially my most senior people with all the power, influence, control over my destiny
 reviewed (unsuccessfully) in 1991
The “big P” did not reflect our changed board or brand
145,000 students: One picture of the futureHow we did it start at the top
 listen--and use process as product
 build buy-in/relinquish control
 focus launch resources internally
 remember external audiences/opinion leaders
 leverage successesOur key message:Peel District School Board deserves a consistent visible identity(the message was not that the old identity was terrible)
One picture of the futureOur key message:New signature of the Peel District School Board declares our public commitment to help all students succeed
145,000 students: One picture of the futureHow we did it start at the top
 build ownership/relinquish control
 listen—and use process as product
 focus launch resources internally
 remember external audiences/opinion leaders
 leverage successes145,000 students: One picture of the futureStart at the top brought to full board
 not under the radar—high profile
 involve most senior people on “blue ribbon” committee
 brand the branding—Picture the Future
 deal with concerns before they become stumbling blocks(25 year club, heritage)
 represent the system
 get it approved and process definedOne picture of the futureFuture Committee:Director, chair, two trustees, superintendent of education, finance superintendent, appointed elementary principal, appointed secondary principal
145,000 students: One picture of the futureHow we did it start at the top
 build ownership and capacity/relinquish control
 listen—and use process as product
 focus launch resources internally
 remember external audiences/opinion leaders
 leverage successes145,000 students: One picture of the futureHow? committee members always spoke first
 no pre-meetings—ever
 made personal commitment
 listen to advice—even if not what I thought (How many balloons?)
 use their voices
 facilitate--don’t direct

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