Conflicting opinions are inevitable in any group. I maintain focus by actively listening to each perspective and acknowledging their value. This creates a space for mutual respect. During a recent session with a group of principals and teachers, I facilitated an open dialogue where each person felt heard before guiding them towards a shared goal. It's about turning conflict into constructive conversation.

Conflict management is an art of observing and navigating views and opinions according to the relevance of the agreed framework of the objectives of the team. One can sift through the information gathered from each member and determine the categories under which they can be represented; in this manner of brainstorming all would have the satisfaction of being heard and understood. A discussion initiated on all the ideas contributed and a consensus arrived at on decision making thereby allowing for inclusion of every member’s input. Educators in meetings love to be heard and included in decision making; the ultimate objective is to ensure that educators are engaged and energised positively modelling skills in conflict management.

To maintain focus during a session with conflicting opinions among educators, start by setting clear objectives and expectations at the beginning of the discussion. Encourage a respectful, solution-focused dialogue by reminding participants of the shared goal—improving educational outcomes. Actively listen to each viewpoint, acknowledging valid concerns while steering the conversation back to the key issues. Use neutral language to mediate differences, summarizing points of agreement and areas where compromise is needed. Keep the session structured with time limits for each contribution, and, if necessary, redirect off-topic discussions to ensure the group stays aligned with the session's purpose.

When managing conflicting opinions among educators, it's crucial to provide clear direction and maintain respectful communication for a productive session. Setting clear objectives at the start gives everyone a shared goal and helps keep discussions on track. Encouraging respectful dialogue and using practical techniques like small group discussions or anonymous voting can help reach a resolution without derailing the session. These strategies have helped me keep sessions focused and productive while respecting diverse perspectives. respecting diverse perspectives.