Navigating Polarities in Engaging Parents

Schools have in place their own strategic communications plan to address the spectrum of parents engagement, that is, to inform, consult, involve and co-create school experiences with parents amidst constant change, uncertainty and complexity in the external environment.  However, not all parents are aligned to the Ministry of Education’s key directions or the school’s vision and values, and some might need to be persuaded.  

Beyond equipping and supporting the staff in engaging different profiles of parents, school leaders often have to personally engage parents in challenging situations where polarized views make it difficult for both the school team and the parents to move forward.  This is when the leadership competencies of sense-making and agility to manage polarities are put to the test.

Participants in this one-day workshop will delve deeper into authentic case studies to distinguish between difficult problems that can be resolved, given sufficient time and effort, and polarities that are unavoidable and unsolvable, but can be leveraged to make a positive difference to those caught in the chronic conflict.  Some basic knowledge of Polarity Thinking is assumed.

Using the tools of polarity thinking on a self-selected polarity in engaging parents, participants will tap on the collective wisdom in the room to create a virtuous cycle uplifting both sides towards their desired goals, while honoring the principles of TRUST, as stated in the Ministry of Education’s Parents Engagement framework.

Suggested Pre-Readings:

Johnson, Barry (2020). And: Making a Difference by Leveraging Polarity, Paradox or Dilemma, Amherst: HRD Press.

Emerson,Brian & Lewis, Kelly (2019). Navigating Polarities: Using Both/And thinking to Lead Transformation, Washington DC: Paradoxical Press.

Target Audience: Key Personnel and School Leaders

‍

Feedback from Participants:

• Mrs Tan Wan Yu’s experience significantly enhances the learning process.
• Understanding the distinction between problems and polarities is crucial.
• Recognizing the need for managing interdependent polarities within a school setting.
• Clarifying the difference between problems and polarities.
• Using a polarity lens to identify key issues and determine the most effective approach.
• Acknowledging that not all problems are meant to be solved;some should be viewed through a polarity lens to identify opportunities for leverage.
• Understanding that the existence of polarities provides valuable opportunities to compromise and collaborate with parents, ultimately benefiting the child.
• Polarity thinking is an effective tool for strategic planning.
• Mrs. Tan has effectively explained the concepts of polarities and shared strategies for engaging parents in today's ever-evolving landscape.