Even the most even-tempered professionals sometimes find themselves in the middle of conflicts or are called on to sort out disagreements. MENC member Dee Hansen offers three principles every educator needs for effective conflict resolution:

“Focus on the issues, not the personalities. We all work with difficult people, but conflicts are usually created by systemic issues. Remove yourself emotionally from the conflict, and identify the real cause of the problem, such as 

• Lack of resources (time, money, or personnel)
• Pressures from the state or district administration
• Parental concerns
   

Acknowledge the problem with the person or people with whom you have the conflict, and listen to their position first.  With calm resolve, present your information with solid documentation, and negotiate a solution together.

Always communicate. Communication is advocacy. Effective, prompt, and courteous communication is critical. Tell your parents, colleagues, and administrators what your students are learning at every opportunity. Show your respect for others by your willingness to be open and forthright. They will respect you in return.

Take the high road. You are the representative and leader for music in your school. Your attitudes, actions, and interactions should always reflect the high standards and professionalism expected of musicians. Be patient. Some conflicts take time to resolve when attitudes or perceptions need to change. Take a deep breath, sleep on it, and then proceed with dignity.”

Resources:  Hansen recommends both the Web site www.mindtools.com and the book by John G. Gabriel, How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader, published by ASCD, 2005.

Dee Hansen is chair of graduate studies in music education at The Hartt School, University of Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut. She is also the author of the 2001 MENC title Handbook for Music Supervision (available from Rowman & Littlefield Education, http://www.rowmaneducation.com) and the past chair of the National Council of Supervisors of Music Education (NCSME).

--Ella Wilcox, October 22, 2008, © 2008 by MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)