Transcript CHANGE - Ontario Principals' Council

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The
Decision-Making
The Four Frames of
Decision-Making
Before the Presentation:
Please do the problem solving survey in your
binder
After the Presentation:
Please score and graph the results – see the
problem solving orientation scoring in your
binder
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About this presentation
This presentation is based on the work of
Lee G. Bolman and Terence E. Deal
“The Path to School Leadership: A Portable
Mentor”, Corwin Press, 1993
“Reframing the Path to School Leadership: A
Guide for Teachers and Principals”, Corwin
Press, 2002
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Intended Outcomes for Participants
1. Assess personal orientation to problem
solving
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the
problem solving theory by applying the
four frames to situations.
3. Examine situations from different
perspectives
4. Use the process and the theory as a
strategy to solve a problem related to a
personal situation
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Let’s take a look at a
story…
The Wisdom of the
Mountain
(Printed in Your Binder)
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Discussion – Large Group
What is the wisdom of the mountain?
How is it delivered?
What are the lessons learned?
The Problem with
“Knowing”
We tend to “know” the truth from our
own special perspective
We tend to be unaware of the
perspectives from which others are
coming
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The Purpose of Bolman and
Deal’s Work
To help you decipher what is really going
on in schools
To avoid that sinking feeling of being
caught off guard
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Key to Becoming a Highly
Effective Principal
Develop powerful habits of mind –
profoundly practical ways of thinking
about schools and classrooms because…
Our view of reality has been framed by
past experience and learning,
And…
When your view is off target, you are
stuck with it. It’s all you have.
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Look at the image below…
What does this mean?
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 Character on the left is a woman – see legs, body and neck
 Character on the right is a child – arms out as if to hug the woman
What Do The Two
Characters Mean?
Together, they form the word ‘hao’ which
means “good”
A woman and child together is a good
thing
The logic of the ancient Chinese is not
often literal
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So, What’s the Point?
You need to have good mental tools for
decoding everyday life in schools
If you don’t, it’s like trying to read a
language that you don’t understand
What Do the Best
Leaders Do?
They use multiple frames or views, each
offering a different perspective on
common challenges
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The Ability To Use Multiple
Frames Has Three Advantages
1. Each frame can be coherent, focused
and powerful
2. The collection of frames is more
comprehensive than any single one
3. Only when you have multiple frames are
you able to REFRAME
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So, What is Meant by
REFRAMING?
Reframing is a conscious effort to size up
a situation from multiple perspectives,
and
Then find a new way to handle it.
With only one perspective (frame) you will
inevitably feel confused and overwhelmed
in times of crisis and overload.
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The Frames – A Definition
“Frames are both
windows on the
world and lenses
that bring the
world into focus.”
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Four Frames in Common Use Among
Leaders, and their characteristics
1.
2.
3.
4.
Structural — A social architect
Political — An advocate
Symbolic — A prophet
Human Resource — A catalyst and
servant
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The Structural Frame
Emphasizes productivity
Values clear goals and roles
Seeks to coordinate efforts of individuals
and groups through both vertical
(command, role) and lateral (face to face,
informal) strategies
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The Structural Frame User
A social architect whose leadership style is
analysis and design
Focuses on structure, strategy,
environment, implementation,
experimentation and adaptation
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The Political Frame
Points out the limits of authority and that
resources are too scarce to meet all demands
Goals emerge from bargaining and compromise
among different interests: and not from rational
analysis at the top
Conflict becomes an inescapable by-product of
life
Handled correctly, the political frame is a source
of constant energy and renewal
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The Political Frame User
An advocate whose leadership style is
coalition building
Clarifies what he/she wants and can get
Assesses the distribution of power and
interests
Builds linkages to other stakeholders
Uses persuasion before negotiation and
coercion
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The Symbolic Frame
Centres attention on symbols, meaning
and faith
Symbols govern behavior through
informal, implicit and shared roles,
agreements and understandings
Stories, metaphors, heroes, heroines,
ritual, ceremony and play, all contribute
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The Symbolic Frame User
A prophet whose leadership style is
inspiration
Views organizations as a platform on
which to play certain roles
Uses symbols to capture attention
Tries to frame experience by providing
plausible interpretations of experiences
Discovers and communicates a vision
The Human Resource
Frame
Highlights the importance of needs and motives
Values a caring, trusting work environment
where individual needs are met
Commitment and involvement are encouraged
when people
show concern for others, and;
provide opportunities to participate and share
decision making
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The Human Resource
Frame User
A catalyst and servant whose leadership
style is support, advocacy and
empowerment
Visible and accessible
Empowers, increases participation,
supports, shares information, and moves
decision making down into the
organization
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The Four Frames Summary
“The Machine”
“The Jungle”
Political
Structural
Rules
Roles
Goals
Policies, processes
Technology
Environment
Power
Conflict
Scarce Resources
Competition
Division of Labour
Meeting Individual Needs
Human Resource
Needs
Skills
Relationships
“The Extended Family”
ISSUES
Bargaining, Negotiating,
Coalition Building
Attaching, Creating, Meaning
Symbolic
Culture
Ritual
Heroes, Villains
Myths
Symbols
Metaphors
Ceremonies
“Theatre”
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Some Movie Clips
Let’s view some scenarios from movies:
Lean on Me
Dead Poet’s Society
Nine to Five
Pretty Woman
After each clip, reflect on which frame is
represented and how
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Activity
Reflect in small groups on leaders you
know who are primarily
Social Architects
Advocates
Prophets
Catalysts and Servants
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Graph Your Score
Structural
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22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
Human Resource
0
Symbolic
Political
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Typically…
Structural
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22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
Human Resource
0
Symbolic
Political
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Ideally…
Structural
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22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
Human Resource
0
Symbolic
Political
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Activity
Using the core study guidelines in your
binder discuss the situations that you
were asked in your acceptance letter to
bring to the session
Decide which behavioural frame would be
more effective to use and why
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Case Study Guidelines
Describe the details of the case.
 Who are the characters?
 What is the basic story line?
 How do you assess the dynamics in the case?
 What legislation/guidelines/policies should be
considered when analysing the case?
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Case Study Guidelines
Identify the challenges faced by the leader.
 What is the primary issue?
 What are the secondary issues?
 How do these relate to the frames?
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Case Study Guidelines
Generate alternative strategies, using the 4
frames for addressing the issues
and challenges.
 How could structural changes address the
challenges?
 What human resources needs must be met?
 How could you employ political strategies?
 What symbols will be used?