EDLD 5345 -- Reflections: A Principal's Role Dealing with Conflict

In school communities with various dispositions, philosophies and personalities there is bound to be conflict. Conflict can cause stress, frustration, hostility, detraction from the attainment of the school’s vision, and a lack of confidence in the principal or administrator if it is not effectively resolved. Conflict can arise from various reasons, such as, personnel power struggles. Everyone wants to lead and no one wants to follow. Sometimes conflict can develop when employees fail to adhere to rules and policies or the allocations of resources and privileges.  I learned that the principal can avert conflict by initiating preventative techniques. One of the valuable qualifications of a principal is to promote and become involved in morale-boosting social events for his staff, students, and parents.  A principal can alter behavior through offering motivational workshops, encouraging peer evaluation and mentoring, and modeling positive social skills. The role of the principal is one of the most influential positions affecting school effectiveness and culture. The principal has many roles. He is a mediator, as well as, an executive team member.

References

Anderson, M. (1991). Principals: How to train, recruit, select, induct, and evaluate leaders for America’s school. Eric Clearinghouse on Education Management College of Education. Retrieved on July 10, 2011 from http://eric.uoregon.edu/pdf/books/principal.pdf

Brennen, A. (nd). Conflict resolution. Articles & Resources on Educational Administration & Supervision. Retrieved on July 10, 2011 from http://www.soencouragement.org/conflict-resolution.htm.