Dr. Chris Jones on Turning Stakeholder Resistance into Advocacy

Quick take

If you're facing pushback on your bold school vision, this episode is your playbook for flipping critics into raving fans. Learn how one principal shifted the narrative — and built massive community support in the process.

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🏴‍☠️ BREAKING DOWN THE OLD RULES

In this episode, Dr. Christopher challenges traditional education paradigms and shows how Ruckus Makers can lead the shift:

Key Insight #1

• What’s broken: Too many leaders are paralyzed by fear of resistance — especially from staff or community stakeholders.

• The shift: Chris started by listening deeply and showing people how they could lead without a title.

• Impact: Staff ownership grew, and culture shifted — not because mandates were handed down, but because people bought in.

Key Insight #2

• What’s broken: Traditional admin mindsets treat critics as threats rather than assets.

• The shift: Chris chose curiosity over combat, asking questions like: “What do you want to see happen?”

• Impact: Open conversations turned former critics into trusted allies who now champion his leadership publicly.

Key Insight #3

• What’s broken: Schools often ignore how powerful public perception is in building momentum.

• The shift: Chris proactively told positive stories and empowered his community to tell them too.

• Impact: The narrative shifted from doubt to celebration — with the superintendent, school board, and staff all on board.

✌️ YOUR DO SCHOOL DIFFERENT CHALLENGE

Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:

1. Tomorrow: Ask one critic what success would look like in their eyes. Listen without defense.

2. This Month: Invite that person into a decision-making process — not to agree with you, but to shape the future together.

3. This Semester: Create a system where feedback becomes fuel, not friction. Turn your toughest room into your greatest asset.

✅ CONNECT AND CONTINUE

🎯 Get the full episode transcript here.

🔗 His Books:

• 📘 SEEing to Lead

• 📗 Isabella and the Storm

• 📕 Isabella's Unexpected Gift

❤️ Today’s show is sponsored by:

For over 30 years, ODP Business Solutions® has helped schools transform from whiteboards to smartboards. Why? Because when you get the right tools, everyone wins. Visit odpbusiness.com/education to revolutionize your school's learning spaces.

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Podcast created by Danny. Audio engineered by Dragan. Show notes written by Christina. Email sent by Soniya