TERM 3, 2020
WELLBEING @ WO R K
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Mastering mediation Perfecting the art of mediation is a critical undertaking for leaders. Here’s how to work on diffusing situations, bringing a sense of confidence and calm to situations that might otherwise escalate into vitriol and bullying when left to fester.
BY NIK K I DAVIES RESEARCH into teacher burnout has continued to show that the quality of our collegial relationships has a direct impact on our risk for developing the symptoms of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and lowered self-efficacy, with positive
conflicts, lowering morale and potentially creating factions. School leaders, however, can play a vital role in getting staff relationships back on track, nipping conflict in the bud and easing tensions. One of the ways to do this is through the mechanism of mediation.
collegial relationships having a protective role to
Mediation is a process that allows individuals the
play. Good relations between peers supports our
chance to be heard and for miscommunications
emotional and psychological wellbeing, as well as
and assumptions to be challenged and resolved.
providing the opportunity for professional under-
Becoming proficient in the art of meditation is a
standing and the sharing of experiences.
useful skill for leaders to have in their toolbox,
Yet not all staff will get along and when rifts develop, the school staffroom can become a place of tension and upset – something that can spread as other staff become aware of, or involved in, others’
allowing them to bring confidence and calm to the management of situations that can so easily explode into vitriol and bullying when left to fester. Mediation is useful, in that it provides a safe and
