The power of identification is often the jumping off point for individuals on their way to achieving great results. As educators, we might argue that without the power of identification nothing can be accomplished. Renowned educator Rita Pierson conveyed this in a TedTalk suggesting that kids do not learn from individuals they don’t like (watch video here). The power of identification allows us to say, “yes, I think like that,” or “yes, I felt like that,” or “yes, that happened to me… so if this works for you, then maybe it can work for me too.”
So how can educators and leaders use the power of identification when working with students, staff, and colleagues? Translate its meaning to focus on the “Why” in training, professional development, and coursework. For example, focus on “why” in the curriculum or conversation and through storytelling:
This is why you should care (as a teacher, leader, professor, doctor, or nurse) personally…
This is how and why you make a difference in people’s (students, colleagues, parents, patient’s, patient’s family) educational or healthcare experience…
Related to the student achievement / clinical / administrative outcome(s) you want of __________, this is why…
As educators and leaders, it’s exciting to think about the possibility of win-win-win when always behaviors, curriculum and training is communicated via “why.” It’s personal because we chose education to make a difference in the lives of others and in our communities. The same holds for colleagues in healthcare; their “why” is knowing that patient perception of care and patient experience is about saving lives and delivering safe healthcare.
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Our mission at Studer Education is to help education systems achieve measurable results that produce positive outcomes in student achievement, employee engagement, support services, and financial efficiencies and productivity. Our goal is to help school systems provide students with a great place to learn, teachers with a great place to teach, and parents with confidence that their children are getting a great education. Follow us on Twitter at @StuderEducation and visit us online at http://studereducation.com. Studer Education is a division of Studer Group, ranked for the seventh straight year on the Best Small and Medium Workplaces by Great Place to Work® and a recipient of the 2010 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
Filed under: How to Lead…, iTeacherSuite – Teacher Tips, Who’s Engaged? Tagged: Power of Identification, Storytelling, The Why 
