Appropriate Leader Behavior for Readiness Level 1

Just as the readiness level for success will be fluid for your students, your behavior in leading them should also be fluid. As a review, a student with a low readiness level for success (R1):

Readiness Level 1 (R1) - Unable and unwilling, the student is unable and lacks commitment and motivation. Or, Unable and insecure, where the student is unable and lacks confidence.
The unable and unwilling indicators include:

• Defensive, argumentative, complaining behaviors
• Late completion of tasks
• Performance only to exact request
• Intense frustration

The unable and insecure indicators include:

• Body language expressing discomfort: furrowed brow, shoulders lowered, leaning back
• Confused, unclear behavior
• Concern over possible outcomes
• Fear of failure

Appropriate leader/teacher behaviors for the "Unable and unwilling" (R1) students include:

• Directly state specific facts
• Positively reinforce small improvements
• Consider consequences for nonperformance
• Keep emotional level in check

Appropriate leader/teacher behaviors for the "Unable and Insecure" (R1) students include:

• Provide task information in digestible amounts
• Be sure not to overwhelm student
• Reduce fear of mistakes
• Help step by step
• Focus on instruction

One size does not fit all. Students with different readiness levels for success have different needs in order to reach the organizational goals.