Conflict is inevitable; it is how it is managed that counts. When conflict is well managed it benefits the individual and builds a supportive culture in the workplace. In this two-hour self-directed learning course, you can expect to acquire an understanding of the practical skills on how to proactively address contentious issues in the workplace. The key principle is that conflict should be addressed:
- at the earliest opportunity;
- in the most informal way ; and
- by the most appropriate people.
The process involves a two-conversation approach – a short 60 second conversation to set up a longer 20-minute conversation. The process can be used for coaching or preparing someone for a difficult conversation; for example, a staff member, or a party in a mediation or negotiation. The major learning activity will be to review a school based scenario that has six parts. The video presents a case study which demonstrates how the two-conversation approach works in a practical sense. Course participants will undertake five quizzes to consolidate learning and serve as evidence in meeting Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and for Principals.
We invite you to read our Communication Procedure.
At the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify the benefits of managing conflict early and informally and between the most appropriate people
- Learn how to prepare yourself and others to engage in Candid Conversations
- Consider how you can act appropriately when others act unpredictably during a Candid Conversation
- Demonstrate improved personalised practice
The course is self-paced and shall be completed within a six-week period. The course content enables staff to meet goals in accordance with their Annual Performance Review and gather evidence to support the following Standards:
Australian Professional Standard for Principals (Leadership: Leading teaching and learning – Developing self and others – Leading improvement, innovation, and change – Leading the management of the school – Engaging and working with the community) (Professional Practices: Leading teaching and learning – Developing self and others – Leading improvement, innovation, and change – Leading the management of the school – Engaging and working with the community)
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (6. Engage in professional learning: 6.1 Identify and plan professional learning needs – 6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice – 6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice) (7. Engage professionally with colleagues, parents, carers, and the community: 7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities – 7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative, and organisational requirements – 7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities)
The course includes:
- Lesson 1 – Introduction (Course Design and Self-Reflection)
- Lesson 2 – Topic A (Identifying the concerns in a staff conflict scenario)
- Lesson 3 – Topic B (The first conversation)
- Lesson 4 – Topic B (The second conversation)
- Lesson 5 – Topic C (‘What if’s’ – What to do if others act unpredictably)
- Lesson 6 – Reflection and Personalised Practice
The course includes:
- Topic A – Identifying the concerns in a staff conflict scenario
- Communication is key
- Communication skills – LARSQ
- Identifying the key concerns of Natalie
- Topic B – How to have a Candid Conversation (two parts)
- Process for a Candid Conversation
- The 1st conversation
- The 2nd Conversation
- Topic C – ‘What if’s’ – What to do if others act unpredictably
The course includes:
- Video 1 – Nat and Kev
- Video 2 – Identifying the concerns
- Video 3 – Involvement of Mike
- Video 4 – The first conversation
- Video 5 – The second conversation
- Video 6 – ‘What if’ Kev says ‘no’ to the first conversation
The course includes:
- Quiz 1 – Reflection on what you already understand about conflict
- Quiz 2 – Identify the concerns of Nat / What about Mike?
- Quiz 3 – The first and second conversations
- Quiz 4 – The ‘What if’s’
- Quiz 5 – Reflection and Personalised Practice