ElementalTruths.Com ©

We each have our own way of dealing with conflict. The techniques we use are based on many variables such as our basic underlying temperament, our personality, our environment and where we are in our professional career. However, by and large there are five major styles of conflict management techniques in our tool box. In order to address conflict we draw from a collaborating, competing, avoiding, harmonizing or compromising style of management.

None of these strategies is superior in and of itself. How effective they are depends on the context they are used in.

Each statement below provides a strategy for dealing with a conflict. Rate each statement on a scale of 1 to 4 indicating how likely you are to use this strategy.

1 - Rarely 2 - Sometimes 3 - Often 4 - Always

Be sure to answer the questions indicating how you actually behave rather than how you think you should behave.

1. I explore issues with others so as to find solutions that meet everyone’s needs . (___)
2. I try to negotiate and adopt a give-and-take approach to problem situations. (___)
3. I try to meet the expectations of others. (___)
4. I would argue my case and insist on the merits of my point of view. (___)
5. When there is a disagreement, I gather as much information as I can and keep the lines of communication 0pen. (___)
6. When I find myself in an argument, I usually say very little and try to leave as soon as possible. (___)
7. I try to see conflicts from both sides. What I need? What does the other person need? What are the issues involved.(___)
8. I prefer to compromise when solving problems and just move on. (___)
9. I find conflicts challenging and exhilarating and enjoy the battle of wits that usually follows. (___)
10. Being at odds with other people makes me feel uncomfortable and anxious. (___)
11. I try to accommodate the wishes of my friends and family. (___)
12. I can figure out what needs to be done and I am usually right. (___)
13. To break deadlocks, i would meet people halfway. (___)
14. I may not get what I want but it’s a small price to pay for keeping the peace. (___)
15. I avoid hard feelings by keeping my disagreements with others to myself. (___)

How to score your survey.

As stated the 15 statements correspond to the five conflict resolution styles. To find your most preferred style, total the points in the respective categories. The one with the highest score would indicate your most commonly used strategy. The one with the lowest score would indicate your least preferred strategy. However, if you are a leader who must deal with conflict on a regular basis you may find your style to be a blend of styles.

Collaborating 1) 5) 7)
Competing 4) 9) 12)
Avoiding 6) 10) 15)
Harmonizing 3) 11) 14)
Compromising 2) 8 ) 13)

Collaborating Style
Problems are solved in ways in which an optimum result is provided for all involved. Both sides get what they want and negative feelings are minimized.
Pros:
Creates mutual trust.
Maintains positive relationships.
Build commitment.
Cons:
Time consuming.
Energy consuming.

Competing Style
Authoritarian approach.
Pros:
Goal oriented.
Quick.
Cons:
May breed hostility.

Avoiding Style
The non-confrontational approach.
Pros:
Does not escalated conflict.
Postpones difficulty.
Cons:
Unaddressed problems.
Unresolved problems.

Harmonizing Style
Giving in to maintain relationships.
Pros:
Minimizes injury when we are outmatched.
Relationships are maintained.
Cons:
Breeds resentment.
Exploits the weak.

Compromising Style
The middle ground approach.
Pros:
Useful in complex issues without simple solutions.
All parties are equal in power.
Cons:
No one is ever really satisfied.
Less than optimal solutions get implemented.

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 30th, 2008 at 2:11 pm and is filed under behavior. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.