Episode 228: Strengthening PLCs with Clarity, Trust, and Purpose with Dr. Chad Dumas

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Dr. Chad Dumas—PLC expert, consultant, and author of the new book The Teacher Team Leader Handbook. Together, they unpack what it takes to build highly effective PLCs in schools, with a strong focus on clarity, trust, and the role of teacher team leaders.

🔑 Topics covered:

• Why PLCs often get stuck—and how to move them forward
• The three critical responsibilities of a PLC team leader
• How to create psychological safety and trust on collaborative teams
• Why conflict can be productive (if it’s managed well)
• Strategies for building leadership capacity across your staff
• Why vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the first step to trust
• How to start strong, whether you’re launching a new school or relaunching PLCs
• And yes... Chad shares his current top-ranked BBQ spot 🍖

Whether you're a principal, team leader, or district leader, this episode offers practical strategies and real talk about what it takes to build and sustain thriving teams.

📚 Learn more about Chad’s books:

• Teacher Team Leader Handbook: Simple Habits to Transform Collaboration in a PLC at Work
• Let’s Put the C in PLC: A Practical Guide for School Leaders
• An Action Guide to Put the C in PLC: Reflecting and Doing

📍 Mentioned in this episode:

• Google’s Project Aristotle on effective teams
• Patrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a Team
• The concept of "giraffe conversations" and inclusion vs. icebreakers

🎧 Tune in and walk away with tools to support your team, grow leaders from within, and lead with greater clarity.