President's Message

March 2008
By Patty Christiansen, President

Herding Cats in PTA

Herding cattle is easy. But herding cats—well, that is a different story all together. There is a humorous video showing cowboys attempting to herd a bunch of cats. Not too easy! Cats have minds of their own and they are fast.

Managing a PTA is somewhat like herding cats. Each member comes to our organization with different priorities. It is our job, as PTA leaders, to coordinate and guide all of these different personalities down the same path towards our PTA goals. At times, it’s not an easy task!

What happens when members of your PTA get into a “cat fight?” Disagreements happen in even the most well-managed PTAs, with the most excellent leaders.

What can you do to handle conflicts during PTA meetings?

• Stick to the issues and facts. Don’t make it personal! Try to understand each person’s point of view.
• Realize that each individual’s perceptions are his or her reality. Allow perceptions to be identified and expressed.
• Identify each person’s basic assumptions. Discover suspicions people have about why a specific situation is occurring, or why a person is behaving in a particular way.
• Identify feelings and values. Many times, feelings prevent conflict from being resolved. Reactions, sensitivities and tolerances are often heavily dependent upon a person’s values.
• Misunderstood intentions often contribute to conflict escalation. Identify the intentions of all involved.
• In many instances, as people present their issues, they are describing their needs. Ask appropriate questions that will allow everyone to identify needs.

If you are having trouble herding the cats in your PTA, try these things. Develop a good knowledge of PTA procedures. The California State PTA Toolkit is your best resource. Ask your parliamentarian to help guide you through difficult situations, making sure that you are following your bylaws, and policies and procedures.

Situations with conflict should always be handled with respect—both for the individuals in your PTA, and for our organization. If disagreements are plaguing your meetings, ask to table the discussion and meet with involved parties after the meeting. Talk to your council president to gain insight and identify solutions.

Herding cats is not easy! Managing PTAs is not easy, either. Remember: each level of PTA (your council PTA, Fourth District PTA, the California State PTA, National PTA) provides support for you. We want you to succeed!