Managing Change... Managing Conflict
by JoAn Knight Herren, Chief, Technical Assistance & Training Branch, Head Start Bureau
"Effective management of Head Start programs depends, in large measure, on the capacity of key managers to work as a team. Expansion has offered an extraordinary opportunity to provide Head Start services to increasing numbers of children. At the same time, however, rapid growth has challenged Head Start services to increasing numbers of children. At the same time, however, rapid growth has challenged Head Start programs to extend management systems, sustain quality and to rationally plan for continued growth...." .-David J Lett, Assistant Regional Administrator, Office of Family Supportive Services, at the ACYF National Management Institute, Summer 1991. (David Lett is currently Acting Regional Administrator of OFSS.)
In this period of rapid expansion of Head Start, and the expectations associated with that expansion, the ability of management teams to work together as cohesive units is of the utmost importance. Change is often a source of conflict, with individuals working to obtain new skills and understand new objectives as they continue to operate and produce under old systems and old rules. Important in this change is the commitment of Head Start to develop team processes that address the management of differences and do not overlook the stresses and strains which can be placed on program staff.
Head Start staff must strive to build trust among themselves, remove and reduce barriers that interfere with working together, and learn to dialogue in constructive ways. This, in turn, will have a positive effect on Head Start parents and Head Start children, and, by association, on the lives of those touched by these parents and children. At a time when it seems as though people in our society are losing the ability to settle differences peacefully, efforts at constructive negotiation for settling differences and disputes can have far-reaching influence.
The Head Start Bureau wishes to assist in this peaceful approach to conflict and confrontation with this issue of the Head Start Bulletin. Thanks to the efforts and expertise of our guest editor, Marcia Abbo, it contains insights, resources, information, and expert opinions on how to manage conflict, how to pursue mediation, how to improve communication among staff, and more.
Also, last October the Bureau issued a Program Instruction on mediation procedures for Head Start grantees, Policy Councils, and delegate agencies. The PI explained mediation; defined the Bureau's policy on mediation, including the circumstances under which grant funds may be used for this purpose; and listed mediation procedures for Policy Councils and delegate agencies. (For a copy of the PI [ ACYF-PI-HS-96-16], fax your request to (703) 683-5769, or E-mail your request to: HSPMC2@mail-idt.net)
It is hoped that this Bulletin will assist Head Start staff in developing procedures and techniques for dealing with the conflict that is often associated with change, expansion, and the recent increased expectations of Head Start, a program that is fundamentally grounded in collaboration and cooperation within the larger community.
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