District-level leaders know the power of ThoughtExchange, which helps uncover real insights, build trust, and guide decision-making with community voice at the center. But unlocking its full potential means more than running a few high-level Exchanges each year. To create real momentum and system-wide alignment, it’s critical to get school leaders—principals, assistant principals, and department heads—not just participating, but leading the charge.
So, how do you build buy-in with your leadership team? Here are a few proven strategies to turn your principals into ThoughtExchange champions:
1. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Rather than just explaining the value of ThoughtExchange, show it in action. Start a leadership team meeting with a live Exchange: “What are the biggest challenges facing your school community right now?”
This immediate, inclusive engagement lets principals feel the difference between traditional surveys and dynamic, real-time conversations. When they see their peers' thoughts rising to the top, the value becomes tangible.
2. Connect to Their Daily Work
Principals are incredibly busy, and they need tools that save time, not create more work. Position ThoughtExchange as a solution to their current challenges, not just another initiative.
Here are a few use cases to get them thinking:
- Preparing for a School Improvement Plan? Ask families and staff what priorities matter most.
- Rolling out a new class schedule? Collect feedback before and after implementation.
- Looking to improve staff morale? Use an Exchange to ask what’s working and to share their success.
3. Draw Staff’s Attention to Ready-to-Use Templates
Remind staff that ThoughtExchange has a number of ready-to-use templates for surveys and Exchanges. Also, if they can’t find what they’re looking for, encourage them to use an AI tool like Advisor or ThoughtExchange to create the first survey draft. They can always send it to their Customer Success Manager for review.
4. Nominate a ThoughtExchange Leader
Success spreads when leaders see peers doing meaningful work. Start with one Principal or district leader and then have them show how they used the tool to improve their work.
When school leaders see real outcomes—not just data—they’re far more likely to lean in.
5. Make it a Leadership Development Opportunity
Using ThoughtExchange builds critical skills: data interpretation, inclusive leadership, and communication. Frame it as part of their professional growth and invite them to co-lead debriefs with staff or present findings to their school board.
6. Support with Coaching and Co-Design
Some principals may need a little support getting started. Offer to co-create their first Exchange or reach out to your Customer Success Manager to set up a training. The goal is to build confidence early so they can independently lead Exchanges in the future.
Final Thought:
When school leaders feel empowered to listen deeply, analyze thoughtfully, and act with transparency, entire systems shift. ThoughtExchange isn’t just a tool; it’s a mindset. Principals, as the bridge between classrooms and the central office, are key to making it stick.
Let’s bring them into the conversation because when leaders listen, everyone learns.