Thriving Through Conflict

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Conflict is an inevitable part of human relationships – especially in the dynamic world of education leadership. But what if conflict wasn’t just a problem to fix, but an opportunity to grow, learn and strengthen your school community? This course is for educational leaders who want to reframe their relationship with conflict – not simply to resolve it, but to thrive through it. We’ll explore how to move from reactivity to response, from blame to understanding, and from defensiveness to connection. Rooted in theory and grounded in practical tools, this course will deepen your confidence and capacity to lead with clarity and care through times of tension. You’ll leave with a better understanding of your own conflict style, the habits that help or hinder you, and practical strategies for working through difficult conversations, restoring trust, and fostering a culture of openness, cooperation and learning.

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BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

• Learn to reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth, not a threat
• Understand your conflict style and emotional triggers to lead more strategically
• Gain skills for listening with empathy and restoring trust after conflict
• Take away effective frameworks for resolving conflict and rebuilding relationships
• Build a culture where conflict drives learning, not division
• Strengthen your ability to guide teams through tough conversations and systemic change

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PROGRAMME

10.00am: Understanding Conflict: Why Tension Isn’t the Problem - It’s How we Handle it.

• Reframing conflict as opportunity, not threat
• Exploring the nature and purpose of conflict in human systems
• Introducing the “Four Transformational Truths” about conflict
• Understanding the benefits of engaging with conflict, and the risks of avoidance
• Exploring the “4 Ps” of conflict: Perception, Perspective, Punctuation and Power
• Introducing Morton Deutsch’s theory of Win-Win dynamics and how to move beyond compromise

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10.45am: Break

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11.00am: How Do I Need to Be to Navigate Conflict Well? Self-Awareness and Leadership Presence.

• Exploring the relationship between emotion, behaviour and self-regulation
• Understanding conflict triggers and how to respond (rather than react)
• Identifying our own default conflict styles (Thomas-Kilmann model) and expanding our range
• Clarifying conflict goals: topic, relationship, and process goals
• Listening to understand: moving from positional talking to empathic connection
• Introducing tools for reflection: Drama Triangle, Ego States and Window of Tolerance

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12.15pm: Lunch

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1.15pm: Navigating Difficult Conversations: Frameworks for Transforming Tension into Trust.

• Applying the four principles of principled negotiation
• Moving from positions to interests: unlocking mutual gain
• Using a practical 7-step process for working through conflict with integrity
• Preparing effectively for high-stakes or emotionally charged conversations
• Restoring healthy relationships: rebuilding trust after conflict
• Integrating elements of nonverbal communication and restorative dialogue

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2.45pm: Break

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3.00pm: Creating a Culture that Learns from Conflict: The Leader’s Role in Systemic Change.

• Identifying the deeper roots of conflict: needs, values and unmet expectations
• Seven leadership principles for reducing escalation and promoting safety
• Building psychological safety: how teams can disagree without division
• Exploring next steps when dialogue isn’t possible: escalation with integrity
• Managing ‘self’ in challenging contexts: the habits of reflective leaders
• Embedding a culture of courageous conversations, feedback and curiosity

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3.45pm: Depart