Efficiency vs. Reinvention

By Doug Franklin December 18, 2012

It’s the end of the semester and time to evaluate how we are doing. Time to start thinking about what we will do different next semester. Reinvention is a powerful tool for a leader to use. Great invention comes from honest evaluation. Some leaders however confuse efficiency with reinvention and they are not the same. Efficiency comes from making a better system. Most efficiencies result from thinking more about what you need then the people you serve. Reinvention is born out of creativity and innovation. This thinking comes from asking yourself, “what is the greatest need of the people I serve?”

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you can continue to do the same things and get different results. Change is good and important. What worked last year will not work this year. Your students are different and their culture is always changing. As leaders we must embrace change. Also don’t fall into the trap of thinking that working harder is the same as working smarter. Really smart leaders are always asking, “is there a better way?”