After identifying our vital behaviors, or what specific behaviors we intend to change, we now need to plan how to make the change happen. The six sources of influence give us a guideline on what can possibly affect or influence one’s behavior towards something, for this instance, what can affect their (administrators, colleagues, and students) reaction towards your innovation proposal. How can they be “comfortable with being uncomfortable?” How can they withstand the change? What are the factors that can help us motivate them to consider and eventually support the project? It depicts a holistic approach to promote the behavior change and make it sustainable.
The two main domains, motivation and ability are subdivided into specific areas, personal (the person himself); social (society/community); and structural (environment). As behavior is directly affected and dependent on these specific domains and subdomains, addressing each area will be our source of influence, and in return can give us more chances of a positive feedback. As the video “All Washed Up” demonstrated, considering 1-2 sources of influence was not successful in motivating children to clean their hands prior to eating, it took additional sources of influence (at least 4 sources) for them to realize what they had to do.
That can be similar to how our colleagues or students will react to our project. It may time and other factors for them to understand and support the change/project. They can intrinsically feel the need to try something new. It can also be that after seeing you implementing the plan first, then they will be inspired. Receiving compliments or any form of reinforcement (awards, recognition, monetary, etc.) can also be a great source of influence. Even having their classroom reinvented and redesigned can also help. Or having professional development opportunities may also foster change. These are just a few of possible sources of influence that can make change possible. But just like anything, change begins with you.
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