SAIL & Coherence - Cultivating Collaborative Cultures

“Using the group to change the group.” This is a quote that continues to stand out to me as I deepen my own learning around this important quadrant of Fullan and Quinn’s (2016) research regarding system coherence in conjunction with our collective SAIL work. This particular driver of collaborative culture is a dynamic force that leverages our collegial relationships and shared experiences in order to turn complex and fragmented “silos” of work into a focused, coherent force for positive change. There are four main components to hone in on when fostering a collaborative culture within your school building, which we can all contribute to and further develop.

1. Culture of Growth: Growth mindset anyone? We have all heard it and hopefully by now we all are on board with the fact that our mindset can make all the difference. Every action taken by our staff, especially those in shared leadership roles, can send ripples throughout the entire school building and system. Whether intended or unintended, we must be continually conscious of our and ensure we are supporting learning, innovation, and action that builds a culture of growth.
2. Learning Leadership: Shared leaders at all levels (system, district, school) must continually influence processes that support learning and working together in purposeful ways at every level of our school system if we want to produce great learning in students. It is essential to continually and intentionally orchestrate the work of all staff in order to maintain focus on collaboratively improving student learning (sound familiar?....SAIL!).
3. Capacity Building: Fullan defines capacity as the “capability of the individual or organization to make the changes required and involves the development of knowledge, skills, and commitments.” Collectively, this speaks to the necessity of all educators at all levels of the system making instructional adjustments required to raise the bar and close achievement gaps for all students.
4. Collaborative Work: Improving and entire system (school building) requires that every member of that system shift their practice in an aligned manner. Meaningful work done in collaboration with others is a natural motivator for human beings. If we want to move our buildings in a positive direction, we must pay attention to the degree of collaborative learning of the adults as well as the quality of capacity building at the individual level and as a whole.