And Create a School Where Staff Want to Work Cadence Education

 What thoughts come to mind when you hear the words conflict or conflict resolution? Cadence Education

 Conflict occurs when differences in perceptions and perspectives threaten staff’s willingness or ability to work towards common goals and desired outcomes. Cadence Education

 1. Direct – Difference of opinion  2. Latent – Bad feelings develop over time and interfere by creating a barrier to relationships. Cadence Education

 Unpleasant  Too risky  Difficult to control  What else? Cadence Education

 U.S. employees spend 2.8 hours a week dealing with some type of conflict.  25% of those polled, said that AVOIDING conflict led to sickness or absence. Cadence Education

 Thoughts that interfere with resolving conflict: ◦ “It will resolve itself” ◦ “She will never understand” ◦ “It’s not important enough” ◦ “Conflict is always a matter of right vs. wrong” ◦ “It’s not affecting anyone else” Cadence Education

 Conflict is neither good or bad.  It is inevitable in all companies.  Think of it like how a diamond or pearl are made.  Constructive conflict can lead to innovation through brain storming and discussion. Cadence Education

 Anticipate conflict.  Work to create a culture at your school where conflict is not avoided.  At meetings, allow concerns to be professionally brought up; discuss ideas and solutions.  Consider your own biases which may impact how you handle a conflict.  Be aware of “power differences” amongst staff. Cadence Education

 Courage  Balancing your interests with the interests of others.  Thinking on your feet.  Willingness to listen.  Letting go of the “resolution”. There is not always a solution that will make everyone happy. Cadence Education

 Rationally examine what’s happening and why.  Clarifying the issue with questions such as: ◦ What am I/staff member upset about? ◦ What are they feeling and why? ◦ How have I or the staff member(s) contributed to the problem? ◦ What do I/we/they want to see happen or be the outcome? ◦ How is the situation affecting other or the classroom/children? Cadence Education

 Understand the most critical activity of any conflict resolution process is DISCUSSION.  There are 2 components: ◦ 1. The opening – use phrases such as “I need your help to solve a problem I am facing.” ◦ 2. Describe the issue with specifics and facts in non-accusatory terms. For example, what happened, how it made you feel, how it is affecting your work. Cadence Education

 Make sure the environment is right  Get to the point  Be sure the problem is attacked, not the staff member  Help control emotions  Consider your body language  LISTEN! Ask questions to ensure your understanding Cadence Education

 What are some things we can do individually and together to get past this?  What are some things we can do to prevent this from happening again? Cadence Education

 Once you have agreed on a solution that seems to work for everyone, “lock” the agreement with “I’m confident this will work for us and you can count on me to keep my end of the bargain. Can I count on you?”  Agree upfront, what to do if either party fails to live up to the agreement. Cadence Education

 Summarize the agreements made.  Thank everyone for their commitment.  Document the situation and outcome for your records. Cadence Education

 Try to be proactive. Do not wait to handle issues. Be sure to involve your RD or HR before things get out of hand.  Be sure staff know that cooperation and communication are job requirements.  Reinforce desired performance.  Hold everyone accountable.  Be honest and up front and be professional at all times. Cadence Education

 Review the Strategies for Handling Emotions and the article included with this training.  Discuss the following scenarios and discuss steps and solutions that work towards solving the conflict. Cadence Education

 Donna, the three year old teacher comes to you to discuss how she is upset that Mary, the previous three year old teacher, keeps coming into the classroom and taking supplies out of the cupboard. How do you handle this? Cadence Education

 A good teacher was terminated for lack of supervision. Parents are extremely upset and want to know the details. Cadence Education

 Mr. Ramirez has not paid his bill for 2 weeks. You contact him and find out he was laid off a week ago. How do you resolve the situation? Cadence Education

 A Director is meant to be a team builder, not a referee.  Do not assume that staff always know what you mean or what you want them to do. Be sure to ask questions to ensure they have a clear understanding.  Conflict resolution is a process. Be sure that expectations are clearly communicated. Cadence Education