Serving as an educational leader can be extremely stressful, especially in these challenges times when it sometimes seems you’re assailed from every side.

But putting up a shield to protect yourself isn’t the most productive approach. Instead, focus on managing your reactions. Learn to notice your triggers, then press pause, harness the narrative, and explore valid concerns and alternatives.

Here four ways to effectively address criticism, embarrassment, unresolved conflict, and other situations that can threaten your self-worth or credibility. As Marlene Chism notes, “With awareness and practice, leaders who learn to control defensiveness set the stage for open conversations that reduce conflict and promote a collaborative culture.”