Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change, Second Edition

by Joseph Grenny

Source 6. Structural Ability Finally, “things” can either enable or disable performance. To examine this source, ask: Does their environment enable them? When your school is dismal, your learning tools are antiquated, and your home environment is insecure, you have a hard time focusing on abstract learning. At KIPP both the home and school environments are seen as important parts of the learning experience. Levin, Feinberg, and others routinely visit homes, assessing what’s helping and what’s hurting learning, and then they take action. For example, Feinberg describes how a mother in a tough Houston neighborhood had a difficult time getting her daughter to do her homework rather than watch TV. Feinberg (who was the principal at the time) made a routine home visit to check on the girl. After hearing the mother’s despair, he said, “Okay, let’s get rid of the television!” “What? I can’t do that!” the mother protested. “Well,” Feinberg pressed, “it sounds like you’ve tried everything else. I guess it’s TV or KIPP. Which is it?” Without hesitation the mother said, “KIPP.” Minutes later Feinberg exited the apartment carrying a 36-inch television—and still another girl made it to and through college (and later got her television returned). KIPP teachers help parents and students think about how to organize the home environment to make study easier and more successful.