The Influence-Agency Matrix
A guide to leveraging roles within a district
School leaders often find themselves unsure about the specific responsibilities and influence of various district roles. This lack of clarity can lead to underutilized resources and missed opportunities for collaboration. The Influence-Agency Matrix maps district roles based on two key dimensions: scope (the breadth of impact) and control (the level of authority over decisions).
The matrix provides a framework for district staff to clarify their roles and align expectations, especially in positions that often lack well-defined parameters. School leaders and district personnel can better collaborate to achieve shared goals by understanding where roles fall within this matrix.
At its core, this approach echoes the idea of “playing for two teams”—balancing the immediate needs of schools with the broader priorities of the district while keeping students at the center.
The Four Quadrants of the Influence-Agency Matrix
Community Connector (Expansive Scope, External Control)
Description: These individuals bridge the school district and the larger community, leveraging relationships and partnerships to bring external resources and opportunities to the district. While they have a broad influence, their ability to effect change is often shaped by external factors beyond their control.
Example Roles: Family Liaison, Community Outreach Coordinator.
Value: Community Connectors enhance the district’s reach by fostering partnerships that benefit students, families, and staff. By building a network of external support, they address needs the district cannot meet internally and create sustainable connections that benefit the entire community.
Visionary Leader (Expansive Scope, Internal Control)
Description: Visionary Leaders operate within the district to design and influence systemic policies and practices. They align the district’s overarching goals with day-to-day operations, steering long-term progress and innovation.
Example Roles: Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Chief Academic Officer.
Value: These leaders set the tone for educational excellence by creating frameworks that shape teaching and learning. By connecting strategy to execution, Visionary Leaders ensure the district's efforts are unified and impactful. They may also manage teams that have a more narrow scope.
Specialized Collaborator (Narrow Scope, External Control)
Description: Specialized Collaborators bring targeted expertise to specific areas, working closely with external organizations to achieve defined objectives. Their influence is narrower but highly focused, and they rely on external partnerships to succeed.
Example Roles: Technology Integration Specialist, Grant Coordinator.
Value: These individuals amplify district efforts in specialized domains by securing external resources and piloting innovative solutions. Their work addresses specific district needs, allowing schools to innovate and grow without straining internal budgets.
Coach (Narrow Scope, Internal Control)
Description: Coaches provide focused, one-on-one or small-group support to teachers and staff to improve instructional practices and professional growth. Their scope is limited to specific schools, grades, or subject areas, and they operate with significant autonomy.
Example Roles: Instructional Coach, Professional Development Facilitator.
Value: Coaches serve as catalysts for instructional improvement, translating district goals into classroom success. By offering hands-on support, they empower educators to implement changes that directly impact student learning outcomes.
Using the Matrix in Practice
For school leaders, the Influence-Agency Matrix is a practical tool to:
Map relationships: Identify who can help address challenges or advance initiatives.
Clarify expectations: Understand the limits and potential of each role to avoid frustration.
Leverage resources: Align district roles with school priorities to maximize impact.
For district staff, the matrix can help:
Define boundaries: Clarify what is within your control and where your influence lies.
Communicate effectively: Share your role's scope and purpose to set realistic expectations with school leaders.
Build credibility: Show alignment between district goals and school needs.
Playing for Two Teams: A Mindset for Collaboration
Each role within the Influence-Agency Matrix embodies the duality of "playing for two teams." Whether bridging external resources, implementing systemic strategies, or supporting individual educators, these roles balance their specific responsibilities with the district’s broader goals.
By understanding the nuances of scope and control, both district staff and school leaders can:
Clarify expectations and boundaries.
Foster stronger collaboration and mutual respect.
Ensure that every effort, whether broad or targeted, ultimately benefits students.
Recognizing and leveraging these roles effectively strengthens the entire educational ecosystem, allowing every team member to contribute to a shared vision for success.