Influencer Strategy

In my innovation plan, I'm working to improve teachers' professional development, looking into the six types of influence that affect behavior, which are described in chapters 4–10 and the 10x Your Influence Research Report. The videos "All Washed Up" and "Harnessing Social Pressure" show how to use these sources of power in real life, which is important for making change happen.

The Two Domains

The model of influence has two major parts: motivation and ability. Each area has personal, social, and structural sources.

1. Personal Motivation and Ability: This includes what a person wants and can do on their own. Teachers must see their professional development as valuable for themselves and trust their ability to successfully apply new strategies.

2. Social Motivation and Ability: This part examines how social networks and relationships with peers affect people. The video "All Washed Up" shows how group pressure can greatly affect behavior. In the same way, using social pressure in professional development can encourage teachers to try new things by having them work together and share their successes.

3. Structural (Environmental) Motivation and Ability: This includes outside rewards and things in the surroundings that help or hurt behavior. Changes to the structure could include giving people tools, making schedules flexible so people can learn on the job, or making the policy environment more supportive. 

The Importance of Addressing All Six Sources

The "All Washed Up" video shows how important peer pressure is and how dealing with multiple sources of pressure can greatly increase the chances of change. When teachers are trying to improve their skills, it is not enough to just focus on one or two sources. To make a big difference, you must look at all six sources simultaneously. For example, to get students to change, it is common to need to deal with their motivation (by making the activity fun or rewarding), their social motivation (by seeing their peers do the activity), and their structural ability (by giving them the tools or time they need). Educators must also make a setting that encourages personal drive, shows social support, and reduces the impact of structural barriers.

Using the Influence of Peers

The video "All Washed Up" shows how peer pressure can be a strong way to bring about change. When it comes to work learning, we can use this by:

1. Establishing peer learning groups, which are small groups of teachers who can work together to learn and hold each other accountable.

2. Sharing Success Stories: Showing other teachers how to use new methods can motivate them.

3. Encouraging Peer Observation and comments: letting teachers watch each other's classes and give each other helpful comments.

In conclusion

Teachers can improve and extend the quality of their professional learning environment by understanding and using the six sources of influence. This all-around method ensures that all the things that affect behavior are considered, leading to real and long-lasting change. As I continue to work on these concepts, I'm focusing on how to incorporate those fresh perspectives into my innovation plan to improve all aspects of professional learning.

References:

Buchler, C. (2022). Harnessing Social Pressure. Youtube.https://youtu.be/wu7UBY5euBg?si=30gjT0uYrSNP2gVY

Grenny, H. (2023). All Washed Up! Youtube. https://youtu.be/cW0qZl6IrkI?si=v3MRSgisv7hw83w3).