DC Chancellor Rhee Resigns Citing Communication as a Weakness in Bringing Change

D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee resigned today. Rhee, a champion of school reform, tried to make a difference in the school system by introducing major change. In an NPR interview today, Rhee stated that she sought change but did not communicate effectively with all groups in the process of change.

Yes, communication is key to any change effort. Communication reduces uncertainty and promotes participation in decision-making: two key elements for making change really work without tearing things apart. All groups–including the teachers and the community–needed to feel like they were a part of making change happen–rather than having change done to them. Sometimes in one’s efforts to move mountains, one can forget that the mountains have to know they’re going to move and want to actually make the move. Communication–two-way–can help in the process. People want to be a part of change that is affecting them, and they want to be informed and able to contribute their views along the way.

Rhee is a dynamic leader who has learned lessons that she will take with her in her next mission. She has the right stuff; she just has to do it the right way so others are in there with her to make it happen.