Principals may find themselves mediating disputes among a variety of stakeholders in the school community.
Do proceed to mediate if:
- the conflict is specific
- both parties have an investment in the resolution of the dispute
- both parties perceive you to be neutral
- both parties have voluntarily agreed to try mediation
- not dealing with the conflict is unacceptable to both disputants
- adequate time and space are available.
Do not proceed if:
- the matter includes police involvement or any legal ramifications
- the case involves any form of harassment
- the matter is the subject of a formal union grievance
- the two sides are manifestly unequal
- you are in doubt about your own competency or expertise.
Principled or Interest-Based Negotiation: Ten Tips
- Separate the people from the problem.
- Focus attention on interests, not positions.
- Invent alternate options for mutual gain.
- Base outcomes on objective standards and criteria.
- Never yield to pressure, only to principle.
- Don’t attack positions; look behind them.
- Don’t defend ideas; ask for criticism and improvements.
- In the face of personal attacks, rephrase the problem.
- Ask questions.
- Use silence.
OPC Workshop: Alternative Dispute Resolution