267. Discourse as Change Leadership: Humanizing Resistance and Leading Sustainable School Change

How do school leaders respond when staff resist change? In this solo episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, host Lindsay Lyons explores how discourse can serve as a powerful form of change leadership. Drawing on adaptive leadership research, transformative learning theory, and the concept of constructive disorientation, Lindsay shares a practical framework for leading difficult conversations in ways that honor staff humanity, deepen learning, and create lasting organizational change. Whether you're leading curriculum implementation, equity initiatives, school turnaround efforts, or culture shifts, this episode offers actionable strategies for facilitating meaningful dialogue that moves teams from resistance to collective growth. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why resistance is often a sign of an adaptive challenge—not a personnel problem What constructive disorientation is and how it supports transformational learning How discourse can help educators navigate emotionally complex change Why social capital is essential for difficult staff conversations Practical strategies for facilitating dialogue around controversial or challenging topics How to respond to resistance while maintaining trust and dignity Ways to build a school culture that embraces continuous learning and adaptation   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/267