This was originally posted to LinkedIn at the beginning of 2024, but as a result of so many comments, conversations, and discussions about it, I wanted to archive it here for all of you to have access to as well. I have used this approach in more than 100 schools, districts, and organizations over the past few years and I hope it’s helpful for you as well:
Feeling like you’re always stuck?
Feeling like you are always trying something new and never really getting the results you are looking for?
Often, we experience a lack of sustained improvement because we are always chasing the next best thing. We think that in order to improve we must do something new.
The reality is most of the “new”that we try quickly becomes old and never takes root.
The 80/20 rule (The Pareto Principle) reminds us that the bulk of our outcomes are the result of a few of our actions.
BJ Fogg reminds us that behavior change requires Motivation, Ability, and Prompts.
I am also a believer that the AAA approach is the difference maker in seeing sustained progress.
ABANDON: Before you try anything new, first explore what you can remove. Eliminate redundancy and underperformance.
ADJUST: Before you bring on wholesale change, explore what small course corrections and alignments can be made to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
ADOPT: Only after you have eliminated what is broken, and enhanced what needs tweaking, should you begin exploring what is new.
Triple A is the way to see real progress and improvement.
Lasting Learning: Serving leaders, educators, and students. 