Teacher Leaders as "Tempered Radicals"

In the TLN discussion group, Melissa wrote:

Debra Meyerson coined the term "tempered radicals," which she defined as "people who want to succeed in their organizations yet want to live by their values or identities, even if they are somehow at odds with the dominant culture of their organizations. Tempered radicals want to fit in and they want to retain what makes them different."

Meyerson continued: "These men and women of all races, religions, ethnic origins, ages, and sexual orientations from every corner of the globe describe how they must walk a fine line in their efforts to fit in without selling their souls. [Tempered radicals] are quiet catalysts who push back against prevailing norms, create learning, and lay the groundwork for slow but ongoing organizational and social change."

Melissa then asked the teacher leaders involved in our discussions: "Are you a tempered radical? Do you believe that tempered radicals have a better chance at bringing about educational change than overt challengers or squeaky wheels?"

Sheryl replied:

I was on a plane recently and sat next to a wise African American gentleman who was the president of a large electric company. In addition to being successful professionally, he had a passion for helping needy kids by serving on committees aimed at improving education.

He said something to me I'll never forget, that really addresses this question. He said that the secret to really making a difference in the lives of children is knowing the timing of when to be a radical and visionary on behalf of kids. If you step out with ideas that are too wild or too loud too soon, you will be brushed aside and not seen as credible. If you do it too late, you will be seen as a "come lately" trying to get attention.

The secret is waiting for the right moment, that sixth sense of timing, of knowing when to be the overt challenger. If it is done at the right place in your career, it will not only propel you to success, it will make you a powerful force on behalf of those kids who need it most. I was blown away by his insights.

Tempered radicals need to watch for just the right moment to kick it up a notch. If you sense your audience is receptive (whether it's small or large), then go into overt challenger/teacher leader mode and help others understand why the "outside the box" change initiative you are advocating will not only work but needs to be done for the sake of our students.