In 20 16, garry was overwhelmingly elected to his local district water board and immediately became the chairman. After that, he found himself operating in a way that was using more authority than he needed to. Garry had let himself become aggressive and defensive when he was criticised, which just made him easier to criticise. And i realized i had come an lost myself. So i decided, the hell with it. I've got to find a different way to be. At least i feel like i can be true to myself and show people more of who i was,. Not be caught in this place of dividing everything into right and wrong, and defending everything i was doing is right.
Have you ever had to make an impossible decision? One that doesn’t have an obvious “right” answer. One that someone will inevitably hate. John knows this feeling all too well. He’s the superintendent for a mid-size school district in California. To say the last school year was difficult is a major understatement… John tried to ensure the safety of his students, teachers, and faculty while balancing the reality of students struggling in their virtual classes. Throughout the school year, John’s relationship with his teachers and the teachers union deteriorated. Now, classes are back in session and he’s hoping to find common ground as soon as possible. On this episode of How To!, we bring on Gary Friedman, a world-renowned conflict mediator. He has some tips on how all of us can mend a fraught relationship before it’s too late.
If you liked this episode, check out “How To Stand Up to Your Terrible Manager—Without Getting Fired.”
Do you have a problem you can’t get out of your head? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show.
This episode originally ran on August 31, 2021.
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