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Why Performance Issues Are Often System Problems, Not People Problems

Performance issues are often treated as people problems, but in many cases, they are system...
  • Leadership

Read Again: The Unseen Effects of Mixed Messaging

Subtle shifts in communication or behaviour can create mixed messages in the workplace, often causing...
  • Leadership

The Shift to Skills-Based Organisations: Why Execution Still Lags Behind Intention

Organisations are increasingly moving away from traditional ways of defining work, such as job titles...
  • Leadership

The Myth of the Fearless Leader

Leadership is defined by the decisions we make under uncertainty - and at the heart...
  • Leadership

recent articles

Read Again: Why Performance Issues Are Often System Problems, Not People Problems

Why Performance Issues Are Often System Problems, Not People Problems Performance issues...

The Influence of Online Subcultures on Professional Language

Subtle shifts in workplace language linked to ‘manosphere’ culture are raising important...

Why Performance Issues Are Often System Problems, Not People Problems

Performance issues are often treated as people problems, but in many cases,...
The unseen effects of mixed messaging at work

Read Again: The Unseen Effects of Mixed Messaging

Subtle shifts in communication or behaviour can create mixed messages in the...
Heavy workload, overloaded with stress. Multi-tasking businessman sitting with his hands on his head in a file

In The Spotlight

The Influence of Online Subcultures on Professional Language

Subtle shifts in workplace language linked to ‘manosphere’ culture are raising important questions for managers about inclusion, communication and organisational culture CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared...

From the Mag: The Cost of Constant Reprioritisation

You know the drill. You’re cruising along, ticking off tasks, scheduling meetings and then, boom! Something unexpected happens and now your priorities have shifted. Now...

The Cycle of Circular Conflict

We’ve all witnessed those arguments that seem to drag on and on. Even after the initial conflict is resolved, it keeps rearing its ugly head...
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.

Making School Food Work Better for Pupils and Budgets

With ongoing pressure on budgets and rising costs, schools can still take practical steps to support healthier food choices, from reviewing procurement to protecting time...

More Articles

The Shift to Skills-Based Organisations: Why Execution Still Lags Behind Intention

Organisations are increasingly moving away from traditional ways of defining work, such as job titles and hierarchy, and instead focusing on what people can actually do -...
The shift to skills-based organisations

The Myth of the Fearless Leader

Leadership is defined by the decisions we make under uncertainty - and at the heart of those decisions is our willingness to take risks  CREDIT: This...
Leadership and the myth of being fearless

EdExec LIVE: Spring and Summer Review

  School is almost out for the holidays and EdExec LIVE has wrapped up its Spring/Summer 2026 calendar in style Since January, EdExec LIVE has...
EdExec LIVE spring and summer event review

Why Negative Capability Isn’t The Enemy

It’s easy to lead when things feel certain, but even the best leaders struggle when the answers are unclear and the landscape feels volatile CREDIT:...
Leading confidently through uncertainty

Articles at Glance

Exploring Trends in Pastoral Care: Part One

The Masculinity Crisis: Misogyny Increases

How to Lead Hybrid Teams in School Operations

From the Mag: The Cost of Constant Reprioritisation

Supporting Employees Returning to Work After Difficult Situations

The Cycle of Circular Conflict

Making School Food Work Better for Pupils and Budgets

The Unseen Effects of Mixed Messaging

Structuring Behaviour Management Frameworks

Read Again: When a Twinge Becomes Something More

From the Mag: People Versus Performance: Finding the Sweet Spot

Staff Information: Choice, Control, and Clear Boundaries

Making Flexible Working Work in Schools

Building Good Data Protection Habits

Read Again: Understanding the Rise in Home Schooling

Strategic Negotiation Skills for School and Trust Leaders

Still Fresh: Time to Take Care of You

Supporting School Leavers in an Era of Rising NEET Numbers

The Cost of Constant Reprioritisation

Read Again: X Factor Leadership: Influence That Inspires

Academic pressure and the case for a whole-school response

People Strategy vs Performance Strategy: Finding the Sweet Spot

When a Twinge Becomes Something More

Framing the Issue: Workplace Loneliness

Understanding the Rise in Home Schooling

Read Again: Clearing Out the Question Clutter

From the Mag: Turn Up The Volume

Step Away from the Desk: Your Lunch Break Needs You!

Beyond the Pension: Helping Staff Plan for Life After Work

From the Mag: Click It

X Factor Leadership: Influence That Inspires

Read Again: Tabletop Training for Real-World Challenges

Keeping Your Confidence When Communicating Funding Challenges

Clearing Out the Question Clutter

Twelve Festive Fixes for a Safe and Happy School

Ready Again: From Finance Hurdles to Funding Success: Life in a New MAT

From the Mag: The Resolution Revolution

Building Everyday Support for LGBTQIA+ Professionals

Read Again: Why You Need to Make Space For Self-Care

The Hidden Struggles of Christmas in Schools

Read Again: Smiles, Setbacks and Starting Again

Time to Tackle Toilet Anxiety

The Pebble in Your Shoe: Tackling Microaggressions in Schools

From the Mag: Time to Take Care of You

From Finance Hurdles to Funding Success: Life in a New MAT

Supporting Parents, Staff and Pupils in Times of Loss

Lonely at the Top? Rethinking Leadership Connection

Read Again: Accessible, Embedded, Impactful: Mental Health Support That Works

Why You Need to Make Space For Self-Care

Read Again: Creating Psychologically Informed Environments in Schools

Smiles, Setbacks and Starting Again

Not All Consultants Are Created Equal

From the Mag: Keep Calm and Lead On

Accessible, Embedded, Impactful: Mental Health Support That Works

People First, Process Next: Lessons from a School Business Consultant

Own the Room: Tricks to Boost Confidence at EdExec LIVE

Smarter School Leadership: The Best of Justin Smith
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