6. Harness the Power of Emotion

• You need to win minds and hearts! Data alone will not make for change if there is emotional resistance. Don’t discount the power of rational and systematic approaches, just realize that you must also try to understand the emotional background of the staff and address it. The only thing stronger than an emotion is another emotion. Once the teachers who are emotionally committed to a new program get going, they can act as catalysts to get others involved. The urge to fit in is a strong emotion in itself. Let people involved in something new report to the staff. Think of this as an effort to make the new seem normal.

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