IPPN National Conference January 28 th & 29 th 2010 Joe O’Connell Limerick Education Centre

Context  Philosophical Liberalism  Discourse of derision

Tactful/DiplomaticNeed to remain objectivePower of Invisibility HumorousEmpatheticEncourager Ability to relax peopleIntuitiveOpen body language Keeping one’s opinion to oneselfPatientClarifier Non threateningCatalystGiver of direction MotivatorInterpreterInterventionist ResponderBrief when requiredOpen-minded Ability to remain silentGood listenerThinker on one’s feet Ability to see opportunitiesObserverSummarising Good questionerCoordinatorChallenger ReflectiveClear CommunicatorUnderstanding of group dynamics

 Conflict arises because the lens through which we view life leads us to believe that: Others have, or intend to, frustrate or ignore our interests or concerns….. a feeling Proportionality between rational and emotive thoughts and actions Think outside of your own emotive domain

“Communication is the essential tool of human technology” Lewis, L.P. (1994) Curing Conflict

 Understand and appreciate roles and responsibilities and consider context  Adopt a Professional Approach at all times ◦ Language ◦ Depersonalise situations ◦ Be an active listener ◦ Don’t carry agendas  The difference between being assertive as opposed to being aggressive

There are levels of analysis: 1. Within Individuals 2. Between Individuals 3. The group as a whole  Temporal effect of a strong character

 REACTION

 Your Style……Social Skills  Two heads are better than one…………Collaborating  Kill your enemies with kindness…..Accommodating  Split the difference….. Compromising  Leave well enough alone …. Avoiding  Might makes right…… Competing

Each of us is capable of using all five conflict handling modes, however, any given individual uses some modes better than others whether because of temperament or practice.

The Power of words, the appropriateness of language The kind word The gentle word The angry word The harsh word The careless/unconsidered word

 Non judgemental “No one so thoroughly appreciates the value of constructive criticism….. …..as the one who’s giving it” Hal Chadwick

 Principal/Parent  Principal/Teacher  Principal/Managem ent  Kindred Code between Management and Teacher

 Parent is naturally apprehensive  Parent is generally defensive  Parent has rehearsed  Parent has listened to their son/daughter  Parent has baggage  Acknowledge effort to be present  Listen /Notetaking  Demonstrate mutual interest, support and concern.  Show hope, list some positive  Get them to outline what they will, can do  Don’t set unreasonable demands  Revisit Agreement

 Any disagreement between Senior Management and Staff will permeate throughout.  United front at all times  Professional approach at all times  No confrontation/ disagreement in view of pupils  Solidarity about decisions taken  Positive body language sets the tone for the school  Review Working Together Document  Agreement in advance re scenarios

 Management is a collective corporate process  Issues of conflict must be resolved  Confidentiality is essential  Procedures need to be adhered to at all times  Documentation is essential  Effective communication  Informed decision making

 Distinguish between crisis and controversy  Know yourself, your approaches, your style  Appreciate roles and different types of people, invest in knowing your people  Take the helicopter view  Show a route to resolution, don’t become a quick fixer  Adhere to any agreed procedures

 Mo Bhuíochas