Installing 4DX in Afterschool Programs

In order to address growing workload stress and streamline administrative tasks within our afterschool programs, I am implementing an innovation plan focused on the integration of AI tools. This plan provides structured training, ongoing support, and empowers coordinators to free themselves of unnecessary burdens at the campus level. By enhancing digital efficiency, I aim to create a more sustainable, organized, and less stressful working environment. You can view the full details of the innovation plan here.

The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) gives us a clear and practical way to stay focused while introducing AI integration into our afterschool programs. Instead of getting caught up in day-to-day busy work, 4DX helps us zero in on the actions that actually move the needle toward our biggest goals (McChesney et al., 2012).

By using the 4DX framework alongside my innovation plan, we will have a simple and powerful structure to support real and lasting change.

The Four Disciplines of Execution

Focus on the Wildly Important Goal (WIG)

Focusing the majority of our effort on one or two goals that matter most allows us to make meaningful progress without getting overwhelmed. Other smaller goals can act in support of attaining this larger goal (McChesney et al., 2012).

Implementation Goal: By the end of year one,100% of Site Coordinators will consistently use at least one AI tool to complete day-to-day program related tasks.

Keep a Compelling Scoreboard

Tracking lead and lag measures visually (in a simple, easy-to-read way) is essential to keeping momentum (McChesney et al., 2012). If the team doesn’t know whether they’re winning or losing, energy fades and focus drifts back to the day-to-day whirlwind.

Scoreboard Data:

Monthly training session attendance
Completion of AI tool application at each site

Act on the Lead Measures

Focus energy on the actions that have the greatest impact. Put effort into lead measures that directly move us closer to achieving the goal, instead of only reacting to results (McChesney et al., 2012).

Lead Measures:

Site Coordinators will attend monthly AI training sessions
Site Coordinators will complete at least one application of an AI tool between training sessions each month.

Create a Cadence of Accountability

Even when the daily whirlwind threatens to pull us in different directions, we must stay on track! It’s about teammates making clear commitments to one another and following through (McChesney et al., 2012).

Accountability Measure: We will hold brief monthly check-ins at the start of each session where coordinators can share their progress, challenges, and next steps in using AI tools.

The Five Stages of Change

Changing behavior in the middle of the whirlwind is no easy task. In fact, most teams experience the same predictable path when installing 4DX. McChesney et al. have identified five stages that teams move through: Getting Clear, Launch, Adoption, Optimization, and Habits. Each stage brings new challenges, but also new levels of clarity and buy-in as the team begins to shift their focus and energy. Understanding these stages helps leaders know what to expect, support their team in the tough moments, and celebrate the wins as the process takes hold.

References:

McChesney, C., Covey, S., Huling, J. 2012). The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving your wildly important goals. Simon & Schuster.