Managing Conflict

Stacey Edmonson is currently associate professor and director of the Center for Research and Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where she teaches courses including qualitative research, school law, and instructional theory. Formerly, she served as a teacher, principal and central office administrator in Texas public schools. Her scholarship agenda includes stress and burnout among educators, legal issues in education, and educator ethics. She is also actively engaged in a number of educational leadership organizations at the state and national level., Julie Combs is currently assistant professor of Educational Leadership at Sam Houston State University. She held a variety of administrative and teaching roles and served as a building administrator for 10 years. In addition to teaching and researching, she consults with school districts on topics such as public relations, communication, and leadership, and conducts program evaluations as an external evaluator. Her current research interests include trust and leadership, the roles and duties of principals, and leadership burnout. She has presented at several national and state conferences and has published numerous journal articles and book chapters., Sandra Harris is currently associate professor and director of the Center for Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where she teaches courses in social justice and qualitative research. Formerly, she served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in public and private schools. Her scholarship agenda includes administrator preparation, K-12 peer harassment, and building relationship-oriented, socially just school environments. She is the author of several other books, including BRAVO Teacher and BRAVO Principal, and presents at regional, state, and national conferences on these and other related topics.

• Introduction; section1 Understanding Conflict Strategies; Chapter 1 Learn Who to Trust; Chapter 2 Agree to Disagree; Chapter 3 Agree to Agree; Chapter 4 Know When to Be Competitive; Chapter 5 Know When to Compromise; Chapter 6 Know When to Collaborate; Chapter 7 Know When to Avoid or Not to Avoid; Chapter 8 Know When to Accommodate; Chapter 9 Know When to Implement a Temporary Fix; Chapter 10 Know When to Talk it Out; Chapter 11 Know When to Confront; Chapter 12 Know When to Go to Battle; Chapter 13 Know How to Conciliate; Chapter 14 Understand Your Upbringing; Chapter 15 Find the Facts; Chapter 16 Be Aware of Nonverbal Cues; Chapter 17 Be Careful With Anything Other Than Face-to-Face Discussions; section2 Developing Proactive Strategies; Chapter 18 Build Trust; Chapter 19 Be Tactful; Chapter 20 Do What You Say You Will Do; Chapter 21 Develop Your Skills; Chapter 22 Use Policy; Chapter 23 Put Principles Before Personalities; Chapter 24 Listen With Empathy; Chapter 25 Do Not Jump to Conclusions; Chapter 26 Develop the Skills of Others; Chapter 27 Be Sincere; Chapter 28 Communicate With Your Superiors; Chapter 29 Be Patient and Take Your Time; Chapter 30 Look for a Win-Win Solution; Chapter 31 Find Common Ground; section3 Fine-Tuning Your Conflict Management Skills; Chapter 32 Examine Your Expectations; Chapter 33 Know When Your Standards Are Too High; Chapter 34 Invite Difference; Chapter 35 Look Below the Surface; Chapter 36 Consider That Timing Is Everything; Chapter 37 Be a Role Model; Chapter 38 Consider the Relationship; Chapter 39 Master the Art of Apology; Chapter 40 Admit Your Mistakes; Chapter 41 Use the Healing Power of Humor; Chapter 42 Do Not Overreact; Chapter 43 Change Behaviors, Not People; Chapter 44 Think Creatively–Step Outside That Box; Chapter 45 Explore Multiple Options; Chapter 46 Think Long Term; Chapter 47 Keep it Simple; Chapter 48 Know Your Limits; Chapter 49 Do Not Blame Everyone; Chapter 50 Embrace Conflict;