How to Control the Heat: Quick Ways to Effectively Manage Difficult Topics & Situations
When you have a conflict, that means that there are truths that have to be addressed on each side of the conflict. And when you have a conflict, then it’s an educational process to try to resolve the conflict. And to resolve that, you have to get people on both sides of the conflict involved so that they can dialogue.
– Dolores Huerta
INTRO
As a school leader, mitigating and managing conflict as well as difficult topics and situations may come with the territory, but knowing what to do in the moment is often no easy task. This is often the case when ensuring equity of diverse voices when developing a shared identity, vision, and purpose. Sometimes, you need to lean into the conflict more in order to bring about resolution. Other times, prompt de-escalation is needed to allow for reflection and discussion at a later time. Review these tips periodically, so you are better equipped to employ them when needed.
OBJECTIVES
- Familiarize yourself with several tips for managing conflict and difficult topics/situations
- Refer back to these tips as needed
ACTIVITY
After reviewing the tips in the PDF for the first time, think about a recent conflict/difficulty you were faced with.
- Did you use any of the tips in the guide? If so, which? Was it/were they successful? Why?
- Which of the tips do you think would have been most effective in that moment, and why?
- Which of the tips do you think would have been least effective in that moment, and why?
BONUS
Share this resource with your leadership team, so they can also feel more prepared when faced with trying circumstances.
TIPS
- This is not an exhaustive list; feel free to make it your own with other methods you know to be successful
Responses