Attitude, not age matters

Some years ago I was in a role that required me to initiate change in an organisation. Seismic shifts were occurring due to unprecedented changes in technology and advanced brain research that were impacting on education. New tools and approaches needed to be embedded in teams in order to meet the demands of the 21^st. My role was to put together a team that could begin to facilitate the necessary change and move towards more innovative ways of teaching and learning. The results after several years were extremely positive. Change had occurred and it was sustainable.

A question I often get asked is, “Did you get the youngest, freshest, Gen Y’s on board to help you drive the innovation and change?” My answer quite simply is, “No.”

The key person on the team (in fact the first person I brought on board), without doubt was a lady who had worked in the industry for 40 years and was one of the oldest staff members. She proved to me that it is attitude and not age that matters. The qualities she brought to the table were a major driver in change and innovation:

1.           Wisdom: She got the bigger picture. She knew where education had been and where it was going. She had years of good practice to use as a springboard to innovate further.

2.           Ego: There was no ego. There didn’t have to be. She had been there done that. Her role was now to coach and inspire.

3.           Risk taker: She had a wonderful saying that pushed our thinking. “Who made that rule?” This question forced us to keep challenging 

our paradigms and the status quo.

4.           Student centred: She was in touch with the customer (the students). She spent time with them listening to their needs, understanding their world and identifying gaps to be filled.

5.           Learner: In her late fifties, she completed a Masters degree. Besides that, she was an avid reader, traveller and theatre goer. Her mind was continuously being stimulated and in turn she was providing the stimulus for others to stretch their ideas.

6.           Technology: This did not scare her. iPhones, iPads and all the social media were part and parcel of her life. She was tech savvy and wanted to know more.

7.           Mentor: She gave confidence to younger teachers and encouraged them to push their classroom practice and use innovative teaching practices. She was a wonderful cheerleader to those who needed the support to implement new ideas. 

I learned a person with an attitude that inspires, persists, rolls with change, and creates change is gold. A person who can laugh, is optimistic and is a cheerleader for other innovators is gold. This ‘youthful’ mindset ensures plenty of fresh and innovative ideas. Get them on your team!

Peter Dry

September 2015