February, 2025 | Edexec

Why Anytime is the Right Time for Fitness

19th February 2025

Finding time to exercise can feel like a juggling act, but it turns out the good news is there’s no keep reading

Desktop computer with unlocked password bubble notification, flat cartoon pc screen with open lock and password field

Combatting Security Process Overload

19th February 2025

As security protocols and compliance requirements continue to increase, school business managers must find effective ways to prevent security process keep reading

NEWS: Most Academy Leaders Unfazed by Schools Bill

19th February 2025

As reported by The Guardian, a survey of trust CEOs reveals that key policies in England’s new schools bill are keep reading

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but with the right strategies in place, organisations can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth, collaboration and stronger team dynamics CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on MTD Training Effective conflict resolution is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive workplace. By fostering a culture of collaboration and understanding, teams can work through disagreements constructively. This not only strengthens interpersonal relationships but also enhances overall team performance. Here are some strategies to encourage positive conflict resolution and create a more cohesive work environment. Encouraging Team Activities Regular team-building exercises are an effective way to strengthen interpersonal relationships, making it easier to resolve conflicts and fostering greater collaboration. Activities like collaborative problem-solving games encourage teams to work together to tackle challenging puzzles or scenarios, promoting cooperation and shared decision-making. Communication workshops, which focus on active listening, non-verbal cues and clear communication, further enhance mutual understanding and improve team dynamics. These exercises collectively boost group coherence, making it easier to navigate conflicts and improve overall teamwork. Recognising Positive Resolution Recognising and rewarding employees who handle conflicts constructively can inspire others to adopt similar approaches. Additionally, rewarding teams that successfully navigate conflict, especially during periods of change, reinforces a positive organisational culture. Team outings and social celebrations are great ways to acknowledge their resilience and dedication during challenging times. Public recognition or even small incentives can further emphasise the importance of positive conflict management, helping to embed these behaviours into the fabric of the organisation. Encouraging Empathy Empathy plays a crucial role in conflict resolution by enabling individuals to understand and appreciate the perspectives of others. When team members actively practice empathy, they are better equipped to recognise each other's needs, concerns and emotions, which fosters a more supportive and cooperative work environment. This understanding helps to de-escalate tension and paves the way for more thoughtful and compassionate solutions to conflicts. One effective way to cultivate empathy within teams is through workplace shadowing. By allowing employees to experience each other's roles firsthand, they gain a deeper insight into the challenges and responsibilities their colleagues face daily. This not only broadens their understanding but also highlights any barriers or difficulties that may be contributing to workplace friction. Using a Mediator When conflicts become too challenging to resolve within the team, bringing in a neutral third party, like a mediator, can help steer the conversation towards a productive outcome. Mediators play an important role by guiding discussions objectively, ensuring that both parties are heard and working towards a fair resolution. This is particularly valuable in situations where personal animosities arise or in more complex scenarios like redundancies and other significant organisational changes. Their expertise helps manage sensitive issues and fosters a collaborative environment for resolution. By encouraging team activities, recognising positive conflict resolution, promoting empathy and using mediators, when necessary, organisations can build stronger, more collaborative teams. These practices help create a supportive work environment where conflicts are resolved constructively, leading to improved teamwork and productivity.

Four Ways to Encourage Positive Conflict Resolution

18th February 2025

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but with the right strategies in place, organisations can turn these challenges into opportunities keep reading

From the Mag: Understanding Sustainable Procurement

18th February 2025

Sustainable procurement is the process by which schools select goods and services in a manner that actively considers the environmental keep reading

Unlocking the Key to Thoughtful Decision Making

18th February 2025

School business leaders often face complex decisions where the stakes are high, requiring a careful balance of practicality, empathy and keep reading

Creating a Legacy of Green Leadership in Schools

18th February 2025

Sustainability CPD is no longer optional – it’s a vital part of leadership development and a key to securing a keep reading

NEWS: Laura Williams Helps SBPs Tackle Overwhelm

18th February 2025

Renowned coach Laura Williams will guide school business professionals through stress management and resilience strategies at EdExec LIVE 2025 Laura keep reading

Wooden blocks with "ABSENCE" text of concept, pens, notebooks, and books.

NEWS: Record School Absence Fines Hit Parents

18th February 2025

New stats show a record number of fines for parents in England over school absences, mostly due to unauthorised holidays keep reading

Progress development as success improvement

Crafting Your SBM Development Plan

17th February 2025

In her previous article, Val Andrew discussed professional development options for SBMs. In this second installment, Val provides guidance on keep reading