This morning, I enjoyed listening to ideas about using school conflicts as a platform to grow and improve. Speakers Julie Combs and Stacy Edmonson facilitated an interesting session that required participants to reflect on disagreements and consider what we can do to move past interpersonal barriers. An awesome discussion broke out and by the end of the meeting, we had some good practices to implement back at our schools.
Before heading to the Third General Session, I stopped to listen in at the Key Activists’ meeting. Organized by NAESP’s advocacy team, this forum provided an informative update about what is currently happening in Washington, D.C. The main areas of focus were ESEA reauthorization (and its significance for principals) and ideas for moving forward as a voice on “The Hill.”
Moving on to the Third General Session, another outstanding keynote speaker captured the full attention of his audience. Greg Mortenson provided a summary of his mission in the Middle East and elements of the path he has traveled toward the promotion of peace for our global society. Although Greg now lives with his own family in Montana, it was interesting to learn that Greg’s mother was an elementary principal in Wisconsin.
Greg’s message to the audience was that we need to listen more, respect others, and focus on building relationships. He spent time explaining the fascinating research behind the benefits of educating females as a method to influence positive change. The importance of service learning, acceptance of diversity, and civic engagement were also prominent themes. Greg extended his sincere gratitude to each of us for our daily work influencing children.
Here are some resources that Greg shared:
www.threecupsoftea.comhttp://littleredwagonfoundation.comhttp://www.penniesforpeace.org
I’m off to lunch, a walk in the sunshine, and then to wrap up my convention experience by attending the Delegate Assembly!
—Missie
#naesp2010
re: Education Breeds Hope and Freedom
I would love to hear what good practices you wanted to implement back at your school to respond to conflict. I think it is thrilling when discussions can be inspiring enough to inform practices or policy.
re: Education Breeds Hope and Freedom
Conflict management and resolution is as individual as those involved with the disagreement. What I learned from Julie Combs and Stacey Edmonson’s presentation is that sometimes it takes conflict to move forward.
I realized that there is a huge difference between conflict on an interpersonal level and content/process conflicts. Looking at conflicts in your building requires you to step out of the middle and analyze what’s happening.
It’s important to dissect the conflict so you pull out the facts, the players, and the emotions involved. Take time to look beyond what’s obvious too. Disagreements often have an iceberg effect. The bigger issue often lies beneath the surface. The number one element which will help move the conflict to a growth model is LISTENING.
Julie and Stacey went on to explore diverse conflict styles and how they mesh together. You can get more information on this topic by reading their book, Managing Conflict: 50 Strategies for School Leaders. They can also be contacted through Red Wagon Evaluation and Consulting.
Have a great day - Missie
re: Education Breeds Hope and Freedom
What important "tools" to include to get growth out of conflict; listening more, respecting others, and building relationships. Too often these are not part of the focus and the main reason why some schools are still in conflict.