#128: Ownership Mindset vs. Compliance Culture – How to Build Agency in a System That Kills It Artwork

Coaching the Whole Educator

Coaching the Whole Educator is a podcast for instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and school leaders who want to strengthen their educators’ effectiveness and resilience, especially the ones who need it most. Each week, you’ll hear quick tips, proven strategies, and coaching mindsets designed to keep you on top of your coaching game.

This show is rooted in a human-centered approach, where we get things done through people’s humanity, not around it. Whether you’re new to instructional coaching or a seasoned instructional coach or leader looking for fresh perspective, you’ll learn how to focus on the mindsets and motivations driving unproductive behaviors. By getting to the root of resistance, you’ll discover how to build stronger relationships, lead with clarity, and create lasting impact in your school.

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Coaching the Whole Educator

#128: Ownership Mindset vs. Compliance Culture – How to Build Agency in a System That Kills It

March 16, 2025 • Becca Silver • Season 1 • Episode 128

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Ready to diagnose the biggest mindset gap on your team? Take the free Catalyst Mindsets Quiz **HERE**!

Most schools say they want teachers who take initiative. But here’s the kicker—they’re still running a compliance culture that trains teachers to wait for permission. If you’ve ever wondered why schools feel stuck in resistance and disengagement, this is why.

In this episode, we break down:

Why compliance-driven leadership kills initiative (and what to do instead)
The 3 essential elements of Ownership Mindset: Agency, Optimism, and Accountability
The difference between constructive and destructive accountability—and why getting this wrong keeps schools spinning their wheels
How accountability—when done right—builds self-regulation, not compliance

If your accountability isn’t building ownership, it’s just compliance in disguise.

Ready to diagnose the biggest mindset gap in your school? Take the free Catalyst Mindsets Quiz **HERE**!

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