#138: The Readiness Gap: What the Research Says About Why Good Ideas Still Fail 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.

All Episodes

Coaching the Whole Educator

#138: The Readiness Gap: What the Research Says About Why Good Ideas Still Fail

May 25, 2025 • Becca Silver • Season 3 • Episode 138

Send us a text

Change doesn’t fail because people are stubborn. It fails because leaders bet on urgency instead of readiness.

Organizational change only sticks when people believe it’s worth it and believe they can pull it off.

That’s the core of Weiner’s theory on change commitment (Value Mindset) and change efficacy (Success Mindset)—and without both, even a great idea will crash and burn.

In this episode, I break down how to assess readiness and share a real story of what happens when you fix the belief gap before pushing forward.

If you're throwing strategies at resistance and hoping something sticks—stop. Then head to The Whole Educator for mindset-driven tools that don’t waste your time (or theirs).

The Research: A theory of organizational readiness for change