Nike acted on its “ big idea ” to make an environmental impact by eliminating all C8 PFCs ( per- and poly-fluorinated chemicals ). The company phased out 90 % of all PFCs from its products . Then , Founder Phil Knight led the corporation to engage in a comprehensive effort to impact the community as a whole . It became proactive in forming partnerships with its competitors ( Adidas , Puma , etc .) to establish a cooperative goal of reaching zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by 2020 .
These changes helped grow annual revenue from $ 24 billion to $ 32 billion in the past five years . The company ’ s big idea impacted the community – and it helped build its business .
Private schools can apply the lesson learned from Nike by coming up with a “ big idea ” to impact the community . Claiborne Christian School had the “ big idea ” of implementing the School Growth Innovation Lab . Head of School Lee Taylor provided strong leadership by focusing their energies into investing in the training , skills , and development of their teachers and staff . Taylor then networked with other local community leaders for encouragement , accountability , and mentoring .
After five years , Lee ’ s school has experienced the highest level of student growth among schools in Louisiana . Its enrollment has gone up by 65 % in just five years . Momentum for more future growth is strong .
For effective change , cooperation with the community is a vital element in a successful school growth movement . Schools need to be proactive in forming partnerships with their “ competitors ” ( other schools , nonprofits , religious groups , and civic organizations ), “ suppliers ” ( faculty , staff , vendors , Scout organizations , sports teams , and community influencers ), and “ customers ” ( parents , alumni and prospective families ). Partnerships ensure change is not just isolated to their own campus , but is community wide .
Sir Ken Robinson said , “ Great schools enrich the entire neighborhood , the entire ecosystem .” As more invested shareholders get involved in partnering with a school , it develops their local ecosystem for potential families and future teachers . It also enhances their reputation , and the return on investment for the school ’ s involvement is a long-term gain . As community partners engage with students and faculty ,
Know the results you want .
If you don ’ t know what your desired outcomes are at the outset , you won ’ t have any idea what you ’ ll get in the end . Make sure you know what your call to action is and communicate it effectively .
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