Over the summer break, I read "Visible Learning for Teachers" by John Hattie. It was a book I borrowed from the assistant principal at my wife’s school, and I was anticipating a read far removed from my day-to-day work.?
Surprisingly, I found the book resonating deeply with my professional life.
A central theme in Hattie's work is the concept of "know thy impact," urging teachers to constantly evaluate their effectiveness. This idea, I realised, is universally applicable regardless of industry.
I wrote this article primarily as a means of reflecting on my own thoughts and insights gained while reading "Visible Learning for Teachers." It serves as a personal exercise in synthesising and articulating the ideas that resonated with me. If you, as the reader, find this interesting and insightful, that's a beautiful bonus. If not, this piece will remain a reference for my own future reflection.
So.. From delving into this book, a central question has emerged for me:
John Hattie identified five attitudes and beliefs of Expert Teachers, which are:
1. Expert teachers identify the most important ways to represent the subjects they teach
They excel in integrating new content with students' prior knowledge, adapting lessons to meet diverse needs, and are adept at predicting and responding to student errors.
2. Expert teachers create an optimal classroom climate for learning
They create a trusting classroom environment where making mistakes is part of learning and student engagement is encouraged.
3. Expert teachers monitor learning and provide feedback
They are skilled in adapting to the evolving understanding of their students; expert teachers use student progress as feedback to refine their teaching methods.
4. Expert teachers believe all students can reach the success criteria
They embrace the idea that intelligence is malleable; expert teachers possess a passionate belief in every student's ability to succeed, influencing their educational journey significantly.
5. Expert teachers influence a wide range of student outcomes not solely limited to test scores
They impact students beyond test scores, fostering a broad spectrum of outcomes such as perseverance, deep understanding, respect, and active citizenship.
As I was reading, I could not help but think of my role as a Product Manager. I constantly explore diverse methodologies to enhance team dynamics and drive product innovation, and I found myself asking:
- Adaptable Knowledge Application: In the realm of product management, especially at a dynamic company like AskYourTeam, the ability to adapt knowledge to varying scenarios is crucial. This isn't just about being flexible; it's about having a deep understanding of your product, market, and team and using this knowledge to navigate and anticipate the ever-changing business landscape. It means recognising that the strategies and solutions that worked yesterday may not be effective tomorrow. As a senior product manager, this involves staying abreast of the latest trends in technology and user behaviour, understanding the unique strengths and learning styles of our team, and creatively applying this knowledge to solve complex problems. This adaptability extends to being proactive in foreseeing potential challenges and devising strategies that are not only innovative but also inclusive of diverse perspectives. It's about creating a roadmap that is not rigid but is responsive to new information and feedback, ensuring that the product continuously evolves to meet user needs and stays ahead in a competitive market.
- Positive Work Environment: The ethos of a positive work environment in product management parallels the trust-based climate of effective classrooms. In such an environment, mistakes are not just tolerated but are seen as valuable learning opportunities. This approach is pivotal in fostering a culture of innovation where team members feel safe to experiment, take calculated risks, and think outside the box.At AskYourTeam, this means building a team ethos where diverse ideas are welcomed, and failures are dissected not for blame but for the lessons they provide. This is embodied in our 'I, We, Them' culture. This approach begins with 'I', where personal accountability is key. Each team member reflects on their own actions, identifying personal areas for improvement and learning, not for the sake of casting blame but for self-development and growth. The 'We' aspect then shifts the focus to our collective efforts as a team. Here, we collaboratively examine our processes and interactions, seeking ways to enhance our teamwork and overall effectiveness. It's about pooling our strengths and learning from each encounter to optimise how we function as a unit. Finally, 'Them' extends our scope beyond our immediate team to include other teams within AskYourTeam. This is where inter-team collaboration and understanding come into play. We acknowledge the interdependencies between different teams and strive to improve how we interact, communicate, and support each other. This part of our culture is about breaking down silos, fostering a cooperative spirit, and ensuring that our actions positively impact not just our team but contribute to the success and harmony of the entire organisation.Creating such a climate requires transparent communication, a supportive leadership style, and the establishment of trust through consistent and fair team interactions. It also means acknowledging and celebrating efforts, not just outcomes, and providing a platform where each team member can voice their opinions and know they are heard. This kind of environment encourages team members to stretch their capabilities and contribute their best, leading to a more engaged team and innovative product solutions.
- Responsive Management: Product development is fast-paced, and responsive management is key. This goes beyond merely reacting to situations; it's about having a keen sense of awareness regarding team dynamics, market changes, and product performance. Like a skilled teacher who adjusts their lesson plan based on student feedback, a responsive product manager continuously seeks and integrates feedback from both the team and users. This involves not only listening but actively seeking out input through user testing, market research, and team reviews. It's about being agile in decision-making, quickly iterating on product features based on user data, and being willing to pivot when necessary. At AskYourTeam, responsive management also means aligning the team's efforts with the company's strategic goals while being flexible enough to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. This approach ensures that the team remains focused and motivated and the product stays relevant and competitive. It's about creating a loop of continuous improvement where feedback is not just gathered but acted upon, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
- Belief in Employee Potential: Believing in the potential of every team member is a cornerstone of successful leadership, mirroring the teacher's faith in their students. At AskYourTeam, this belief translates into a commitment to employee growth and development. It's about recognising that each team member brings unique strengths to the table and fostering an environment where these strengths can be honed and utilised. This belief goes beyond mere words; it's reflected in how opportunities for professional development are created and how challenges are presented as avenues for growth. It involves setting high but achievable standards and providing the support and resources needed to meet them. This approach nurtures a high-performance culture where employees are motivated to push their boundaries and achieve their best. It's about empowering the team to take ownership of their projects, encouraging them to innovate and experiment, and supporting them through successes and failures alike. By investing in the growth of each team member, you not only enhance their capabilities but also drive the overall success and innovation of your product.
- Holistic Employee Development: Holistic employee development in the context of business, especially in a leadership role at AskYourTeam, extends beyond professional skills to encompass personal growth and well-being. As a leader, it's essential to nurture not just the technical and strategic skills of your team but also their soft skills like communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. This broader approach to development ensures that team members are not only proficient in their roles but also equipped to handle the complexities and stresses of the modern workplace. It involves creating opportunities for continuous learning, whether through formal training, mentorship, or hands-on projects. Encouraging a balance between work and personal life is also key, recognising that a healthy, well-rounded individual is more likely to be productive and engaged. This holistic approach also includes fostering a sense of social responsibility and ethical decision-making, ensuring that the products we develop are not only innovative but also beneficial to society. By focusing on the all-round development of employees, leaders at AskYourTeam can build a team that is not only skilled and efficient but also resilient, adaptable, and aligned with the company's values and goals.
John Hattie's book drove home the realisation that the principles that drive success in teaching can be innovatively adapted to foster growth, innovation, and leadership within our teams at AskYourTeam. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities in our industry, the lessons drawn from this book remind us of the importance of adaptability, a supportive work culture, responsive management, belief in our team's potential, and holistic development. These are not just strategies but essential components in building a future where our products, teams, and the broader community thrive together.
Thanks, Gerald, for lending me this book. Sometimes, the most impactful insights come from the most unexpected sources.
