Engaging Parents through Polarity Thinking

Amidst constant change, uncertainty and increasing complexity in a VUCA-BANI world, schools often have to engage parents in challenging situations where polarized views make it difficult for both the school team and the parents to move forward.  

Participants in this full-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.  
Using the tools of Polarity Thinking, the participants will tap on the collective wisdom in the room to create a virtuous cycle uplifting both the school and the parents 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.

Kise, Jane A. G. (2014). Unleashing the Positive Power of Differences: Polarity Thinking in Our Schools, Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

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.