What if I say yes and you say no? Who is right? Boom…conflict!
Conflicts are inevitable in working organization, especially in a school. It will always happen, whether it is about differentiation in goals, interest or perceptions. It is for this reason why there is a leader in a first place, to settle misunderstanding in his group. In the case of Educational Institutions like school, the principal is in charge of this task.
It is tough to manage misunderstandings and conflicts but it is just part of the principal’s duty. It would be very helpful to know how to manage your people and settle their issues in order to focus on your (the organization’s) goals.
Identifying the elements that would lead to crisis would be good in the principal’s arsenal against conflicts. Although crisis and conflicts are two opposite things, they are somehow interconnected. Most crisis like limited resources leads to conflicts inside the organization. In fact, a survey of managerial says that it is within the most common causes of conflicts between principals and organization.
Threat is one element of crisis: it is define as potential hindrance to some state of goal. Keep in mind that a threat does not interfere instantly, as define it was only a potential hindrance. Being aware of the threats that pose problem to your organization would lead to better forecast of the problem and a well-designed contingency plan. Another element of crisis is the decision. It is when there is no other choice or action can be made is less promising, some might disagree. The key in solving this crisis is to have a good sense of communication skills for them to understand that your decision, although not favorable, is the best that there is in the given situation. The last element of crisis is the surprise. Surprises cannot be prevented even if you have a good amount of plan up in your sleeve, one might get surprised. In order to minimize its impact the leader-which is the principal-must evaluate and consider all the possible consequences in situation. He/ She must not decide arrogantly and haphazardly.
Another important factor in minimizing and managing conflict is managing people of the organization. In a team, a leader must be always in touch with its member so that he/she would be aware of the issues and concerns within the working group that needs to be addressed. Even though the Principal is the head of the school, it won’t function without its heart and soul, the staff and personnel. Establishing a healthy relationship with everyone will create good outcomes. It can maintain a low conflict setting in the organization especially if they feel more involved.
Managing conflicts is just as important as trying to succeed. When conflict arises, it would be a good chance to know what to improve and it clarifies the perception of each side. As a principal one must be able to use it and manipulate it as an advantage.
By: Gleceria C. Mateo Assistant School Principal-II Hermosa National High School-SHS
