Conflict is an everyday reality in schools, whether it’s navigating project delays, managing stretched teams, or finding common ground across departments. In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re joined by Bridget Johnson, founder of the Dean’s Round Table and Bridget Johnson Coaching and Consulting. Bridget specializes in professional development for student life professionals, and she shares actionable tools that help leaders manage conflict with clarity, empathy, and intention.

From proactive communication strategies to building relationships before conflicts arise, Bridget highlights practical steps any school leader can take to create healthier, more collaborative working environments. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting on decisions, caught between competing priorities, or pulled into emotionally charged situations, you’ll find this conversation full of strategies you can put into practice right away.

• How to set clear timelines and create respectful follow-up systems
• Using active listening and shared interests to solve interdepartmental conflicts
• Practical ways to stay calm and fact-based when emotions run high
• Why building relationships before conflict is key to resolving challenges
• Establishing clear expectations and professional conduct standards across teams
• How mindfulness can help leaders pause, reframe, and respond with intention