Acton Academy is named after the word action (without the “i”) and Lord Acton, who famously quote: Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
What does this mean to us? It means everything: from the freedom and choices for the learners; to the way we work, and ultimately, to the culture we breathe.
Freedom, choice, natural consequence for our learners
First, we let our learners choose. Their choices are reflected in the goals they set. Specifically, SMART goals which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timed. This process starts with the baby steps of small challenges in a fun environment and extends to the full spectrum of learning and their Hero’s Journey.
The learners keep their promises and commitments through covenants, accountability systems, guardrails, as well as a supporting community of parents, guides, and peers. As guides, we never give an instruction or impose a decision; except when the situation poses health and safety risk. Instead, we only offer questions, or choice of actions with natural consequences described (ideally, by the learner). Learners express their intentions and thoughts through their decisions and actions. The experience of natural consequences becomes their learning and character development.
What if their intentions and actions do not reflect their expressed commitments? Do we discipline them? Laura, the co-founder of Acton Academy gave an excellent answer: We respect their choice.
If learners are going to live by such standards, what is the expectation of us guides or any adult that is serving the Acton’s mission?
The way we work: excellence by example.
The only reasonable answer is a guide exceed young learners’ standards. Like our learners, our guides set their own goals and keep themselves accountable through the guardrails and consequence that they have agreed on as a community.
How does this translate into the way we work?
Acton Academy KL’s dream is to build a learner-driven community that serves the mission of inspiring each child and parent to find a calling to change the world. Pursuing this dream is each and every guide’s Hero’s Journey.
The reality of a Hero’s journey is that conditions change. The awareness of this changing present and the clarity of our mission, beliefs, promises and dreams translate these conditions into choices and challenges that we have to face.
Our intention to serve the mission will determine the choices we make. Young learners make choices, so guides share the same spirit but with far greater freedom. But action and freedom without communication make working in a team uncoordinated and often, messy. Clear communication and goal setting are tools to channel our energies and intentions.
There is no top-down approach of assigning task or instruction. Instead, we collect a list of task and decisions needed based on our understanding of the present. Each guide reflect and communicate on their intentions and thoughts, and incorporate tasks which are most relevant to him/ her as individual SMART goals.
Simply, being “assigned” using a top-down approach involves a power struggle, and goes against the practice of freedom and goal setting, as well as the spirit of Lord Acton and Acton Academy.
Stories and the “why” become our culture.
We are merely at the start of this journey, and will constantly question our beliefs, intentions, thoughts. We deeply ask “why?” to the choices we make. In time, SMART goals and self-governance will become a habit, and the “why” will be written from the stories of our experiences. These stories will be shared, retold, and evolved into a culture.
This culture is our guiding light and leader.
There is no power because there is only self-empowerment; there is no leader because he is in every one of us. The destiny of Acton Academy unfolds because “we did it ourselves”, and it starts with our thoughts and intentions.
Finally, two pieces of reflection from Lao-tzu:
With the greatest leader above them, people barely know one exists.
Next comes one whom they love and praise.
Next comes one whom they fear.
Next comes one whom they despise and defy.
When a leader trusts no one, no one trusts him.
The great leader speaks little.
He never speaks carelessly.
He works without self-interest and leaves no trace.
When all is finished, the people say
“We did it ourselves.”
Lao-tzu. Verse 17 of Tao Te Ching.
Watch your thoughts, they become your words.
Watch your words, they become your actions.
Watch your actions, they become your habits.
Watch your habits, they become your character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.
Lao-tzu. Unknown source.