Sometimes we make bad decisions, and when we make those decisions, we have to have the courage to change course, admit our error, and do better.
Sometimes people are so married to their decisions, that they refuse to backtrack, listen, and change. These kinds of events can be harmful to many. Many years ago our school system made a decision that many citizens opposed. At the time, given the information I knew, I was in favor of the decision. Yet those who opposed the decision did lots of research to support their claims. Their research, for the most part, was ignored and the decision stayed the same. Later, it was clear, that the citizens' research was correct--they were right. The decision wasn't a good one and was later reversed.
Soon my team will consider a change in our schedule. It's a small decision on the scale of decisions made at school. Throughout the process, I want to remain open minded. I want to keep our main goals at the center of the process as we debate the merits of change.
It's difficult to make good decisions without a strong, inclusive vision to guide our efforts. Before making any decision that impacts all stakeholders, people need to revisit the vision with depth and care. I plan to do this before we make our scheduling decision together.
If we don't make decisions with good listening, inclusive process, and focus on our shared vision, we may not make the best decisions, and when we make decisions that are not positive, we have to have the courage to reverse those decisions.
