Whether a disagreement is between teaching assistant and pupils or teaching staff and parents, certain interpersonal and social skills are useful in resolving the conflict. Good perception of the clashing interests and sensitivity to the different points of view can help us to see both sides of the story without agreeing with each. Conflicts often arise because of differing expectations from each side which are not met. When helping to resolve the disagreement, we have to try and find a common ground for both parties, where we can start and create ideas to bring the expectations closer to each other.
During this process we have to remain calm and polite and listen to all points of view. Making personal comments will not help the situation because we have to remember, most of the time the problem is not with the individual but only something they have said or done. If the disagreement cannot be resolved privately between the two parties, it is advisable to seek professional mediation. Supervisors always have to be informed about the issue, even if the conflict is resolved by the two parties