The Right Drivers for Whole System Success with Michael Fullan
Mar 29, 2021
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Michael Fullan, expert in school system reform, discusses the new right drivers of whole system success: wellbeing, social intelligence, equality investments, and systemness. They explore democratizing leadership post-COVID, the mindset of systemness, and the power of collective efficacy. They also reflect on shifting the mindset of learning loss and the importance of focusing on positivity and transformation.
The right drivers for whole system success in education reform are well-being, social intelligence, equality investments, and systemness.
Democratizing leadership in schools requires a focus on partnerships, trust, social intelligence, and embracing systemness.
Deep dives
The Power of Michael Fullan's Ideas and Mentorship
In this podcast episode, Peter DeWitt expresses his gratitude for Michael Fullan's mentorship and the impact Fullan's work has had on his own growth as a principal. DeWitt highlights Fullan's deep thoughts and brilliant ideas, which make talking to him feel like a masterclass in education. Fullan's focus on continuous learning and curiosity sets him apart from others, and he emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology while valuing the power of social intelligence and collective efficacy. DeWitt also shares a favorite Fullan quotation that resonates with him: "Just because you're stuck with their policies doesn't mean you need to be stuck with a mindset." Overall, this episode celebrates Fullan's immense influence and his ability to inspire leaders in the education field.
The Need for Shift from Wrong Drivers to Right Drivers
Drawing from Fullan's research paper on drivers, this podcast episode delves into the shift needed in education reform. Fullan discusses the wrong drivers that have dominated the education landscape, such as punitive accountability, individualism, technology without purpose, and fragmented policies. He emphasizes the need for a shift towards the right drivers, including a focus on well-being, social intelligence, investment in equity, and systemness. Fullan explains that these drivers align with emerging good ideas and address the current challenges society is facing, such as the climate crisis and the erosion of social trust. By adopting the right drivers, schools can foster a democratic culture and work towards collective efficacy and systemic change.
The Power of Democratization of Leadership and Systemness
In this podcast episode, Fullan and DeWitt explore the transformative potential of democratizing leadership in schools. They discuss how the pandemic has highlighted the importance of partnerships between parents, students, and educators, leading to a deeper sense of trust and collaboration. Fullan emphasizes the need for school leaders to see themselves as system coordinators and to exploit upward, liberate downward, and lateralize everywhere. He highlights the significance of social intelligence and collective efficacy in building a democratic culture of leadership. Fullan also emphasizes the importance of systemness, which involves thinking beyond individual school systems and embracing coherence and systemic thinking. By focusing on these elements, school leaders can navigate challenges and drive positive change.
The Role of Big Spirit in Overcoming Negativity
The concept of big spirit is discussed in this podcast episode as a key aspect of transformative leadership. Fullan and DeWitt explore how big spirit refers to leaders who maintain a positive mindset and transcend negativity, even in challenging times. These leaders embody hopefulness and prioritize holistic well-being and learning. Fullan highlights that big spirit leaders have the ability to transcend complex and negative circumstances, embracing a democratic and problem-solving approach. They are driven by a desire to make things better for their communities and have a transformative impact on education. Despite the difficulties faced during the pandemic, big spirit leaders maintain an optimistic outlook and actively pursue systemic change grounded in collective well-being and social intelligence.
After publishing a 2011 paper on the four wrong drivers of school system reform, Michael Fullan sits down with Peter DeWitt to talk about the new right drivers that bring whole system success: wellbeing, social intelligence, equality investments, and systemness. School and system leaders can use these four drivers to focus on the right priorities as schools recover from COVID-19 and seek to accelerate learning again. Listen to hear:
How we are democratizing leadership post-COVID
Why having a mindset of systemness can help you "exploit upward, liberate downward, and lateralize everywhere"
How "big spirit" can help leaders rise above hopelessness and lean into learned hopefulness.