Conflict Management

Strategies• Two sides of a story• Management Styles• Solving Conflicts

Someone let’s you down and it is not the first

time. Why? They are unreliable and irresponsible._________________________________________________ You let someone down and it’s not the first time. Why? It’s because you have been overworked lately

or ill.

Two Sides of a Story

Someone cuts you off while driving. Why? They are rude, aggressive, and inconsiderate._________________________________________________ You cut someone off while driving. Why? You are late for an important appointment and

if you don’t make the green light you will not make it on time.

Two Sides of a Story

One of your coworkers buys the boss a

birthday card. Why? They are trying to weasel their way to a

promotion._________________________________________________ You buy your boss a birthday card. Why? You are warm and caring.

Two Sides of a Story

Someone flies into a rage at the post office clerk. Why? They are bad-tempered and rude._________________________________________________ You fly into a rage at the post office clerk. Why? This is your 3rd time here and they are still not

getting it right. The clerk’s mistakes are costing you money and you are tired of him not doing his job right.

Two Sides of a Story

Forcing/Competitive Aggressive

Argumentative Forceful/Yelling Impatient No time for

Discussion Win-Lose (lion wins)

Management Strategies

Avoiding Timid/Shy/Fearful

Silent Treatment Walk Away/Leave Ignore conflict Unassertive Uncomfortable

expressing opinions Lose-Lose

Management Strategies

Accommodating I give in

As long as you are happy, I am happy!

Maintaining the friendship is most important.

Win-Lose (Puppy loses)

Management Strategies

Compromising Bargaining

Let’s split the difference.

Something is better than nothing.

I’ll give in a little and you can give in a little.

Win-Lose or Lose-Lose

Management Strategies

Collaborating Problem-solving

Two heads are better than one

Patient Mutual agreement Respect other

opinions Win-win

Management Strategies

Competitive

GOOD When the development

of a personal relationship isn’t critical.

When an urgent decision must be made. Natural disaster or

physical threat When an unpopular

decision needs to be implemented. Ex. Firing an employee

BAD When you use it often

with people you care about.

When you want to constantly have control.

When you want people to feel comfortable and free to openly discuss feelings.

Avoiding

GOOD When the stakes are

not high or issue is trivial.

When you are very angry and need to cool off.

When you are in a dangerous situation.

BAD When you rarely want

to deal with conflicts. When you are afraid to

speak up. When you continue to

be bothered by a disagreement with someone you care about.

Accommodating

GOOD When harmony is

valued. When the

relationship is most important.

When there is little time for discussion.

BAD When it happens

often and you wish you could speak up more.

When you are constantly being taken advantage of

Compromising

GOOD When there are no

simple solutions. You are willing to let

chance decide. Ex. Flip a coin

It isn’t possible to satisfy both sides completely.

BAD When a solution is

possible if you work a little longer.

When people start game-playing.

Collaborating

GOOD When you have the

time and you want to satisfy all sides.

When you care about the other person and feel deeply about the issue.

You want to fix the problem so they don’t cause issues later.

BAD When you don’t care

that much about the issue.

When an urgent decision must be made.

Remember the Titans Warm-Up

Remember the Titans Video

Can you identify the style?