What the book is

The publisher describes Dusting Off Thunderbolts as a reflective book on leadership rather than a how-to guide. Having worked in 50 countries on a quest to find what he calls the heart of leadership, Sir John Jones shares wisdom gleaned from diverse cultures and continents. You will hear from giants of sport, literature, art, film and music, and be guided by poets, philosophers, war heroes and Nobel prize-winners.

Sir John will introduce you to external forces that spark the inner spirit of leadership. The ancients called such forces "muses" and, like old friends, they have sustained Sir John through more than 40 years of leadership. Muses favour those courageous enough to work tirelessly at their craft and travel each day the tough road of hard practice, dedication and quiet heroism. Sadly, some leaders deny their existence, believing that they themselves are the sole source of their success. For these leaders, the gods will dust off their thunderbolts.

The publisher says it mixes stories with practical ideas and suggestions, and pitches it at leaders who see themselves as a work in progress, who take risks and accept they may fail, and who are willing to show vulnerability.

Who it is for

Headteachers and senior leaders who want reflective, story-led reading about the personal side of leadership: motivation, humility and resilience. It is not a guide to school improvement systems, inspection or management processes, and it draws on leaders from many fields rather than on school case studies.

About the book

  • Author: Sir John Jones, who the publisher says has worked in 50 countries and drawn on more than 40 years of leadership.
  • Publisher: Hachette Learning. Paperback, 30 June 2023, 184 pages.
  • ISBN: paperback 9781398387508; ebook 9781036000110.

Sources: Hachette Learning listing and Hachette UK listing, checked 13 October 2026. HeadteacherChat has not yet added its own review of this book.