As a new military spouse eons ago, I was fascinated with the traditions and customs of the Army. In particular, the events known as “Hail and Farewell” ceremonies, where everyone gathers either formally or informally to welcome or say goodbye to those in a fellow organization.
A few weeks ago, I painfully overheard three middle school moms discussing the mistreatment of one of their children being accused of bullying: horrified because the school had called the parents to report the incident, angry because their child had been reprimanded and called into the Vice Principal’s office, and reluctant to pause and reflect how discrimination could be classified as bullying.
My heart beat gained momentum, and I instantly felt a sadness for many reasons.
First, because the conversation was one-sided and lacked empathy.
Second, this is the 21st century where consequences for bad behavior have seemed to shift to a collaborative process which stunts growth.
And finally, because the nameless victim was my son, who has systemically received some form of bullying on and off during his entire student career.
Done. With a sigh of relief and purse full of snacks and entertainment in hand, my four boys and I finally went back to mass this past Sunday for the first time since COVID-19 took over our lives this past March. Needless to say, I was anxious about attending an event with so many people concentrated in one place, but was assured by our padre, Father John, that every precaution was taken to ensure the health and safety of parishioners was at the forefront of newly implemented COVID protocols.
Are you experiencing thoughts of anxiety, guilt, worry, doubt, uncertainty, or all of the above concerning the upcoming school year? Are you singing the new school year blues? Join the crowd because wading through the information, news, and daily COVID-19 numbers are enough to drive anyone to madness especially when it concerns sending our children back to school in this ever-uncertain environment we’ve been stuck in for the past several months.
love training. I love receiving new information and analyzing how and where to apply this newfound skill set. I’m a life-long learner and thoroughly enjoy facilitating training. One training that I particularly enjoy facilitating is Conflict Management. Leaders with communication skills such as facilitation, mentorship, and resolution are more likely to engage and thrive in managing conflict in their workplaces and at home.
Disagreement and challenge are inevetible and can result in conflict. However, conflict presents advantages of communication growth within organizations; individuals within organizations are shaped by their own values, beliefs, work ethic, perceptions, and behaviors. Possessing and exercising the skills and mindset in order to engage is crucial to conflict management. On the other hand, shying away from conflict allows issues to fester, which can affect the integrity of an organization and impose negativity within individuals
In times of crisis, communication from leadership is crucial to the integrity of the organization and the people in it. Depending in which part of the world you reside, more than likely you have recently been in quarantine for a significant amount of time as we #stayhome in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Leaders have been called to action and forced to navigate uncharted territories as they adjust to the communication challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we continue to sift through theories and projections for the future, how can leaders sustain momentum as we ask, “How does one lead in quarantine?”
Mission: Milspouse is a
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EIN Number: 88-1604492
hello@missionmilspouse.org
P.O. Box 641341
El Paso, TX 79904