Episode 21: Conflict Resolution

Navigating conflict has always been part of school leadership. But what should we do when incivility runs rampant and compromise seems impossible? We talk with a longtime mediator and WASB consultant, Cheryl Stinski, and Waupaca School Board member Betty Manion. We'll talk about why conflict can be healthy as well as how to defuse it when it becomes counter-productive. We discuss timeless strategies for helping other people feel heard and respected, and why what a person says is often less important than what they mean.  If you're interested in tips to prepare for and conduct challenging board meetings, skip to 20:16. We talk about why preparation is so critical and how to react if someone violates norms and rules.