Lesson 1: Leadership Starts with Listening
Conflict often reveals what people value most. The solution began with a meeting of the minds. The school leader encouraged dialogue, empathy, and respect. According to the Centre for Teaching Excellence (2024), effective conflict resolution requires checking perceptions and clarifying intent. As the principal reminded them, “We are one team—with one goal: instructional excellence.” Here, the Christian principle of humility—‘Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus’ (Phil. 2:5)—offered a moral compass.
Lesson 2: When Data Drives Collaboration
The second step was introducing data as the neutral voice. Rather than choosing sides, the supervisor redirected focus: What do the numbers say? Data analytics, as American University (2019) notes, allows teachers to track performance and improve content relevance. By anchoring discussion in evidence, not ego, both teachers found common ground. Mrs. Vet’s instructional expertise paired naturally with Mrs. New’s data fluency—and collaboration became powerful.
Lesson 3: Implementing with Purpose
A curriculum plan emerged, built on shared vision, data-driven materials, and accountability. Through mentorship and workshops, the team refined their program—preparing to pilot the new model. They embodied Lencioni’s (2016) model of the ‘ideal team player’: humble, hungry, and emotionally smart.
