Conflict Management Strategies

1. Conflict Management Strategies Two sides of a story Management Styles Solving Conflicts

2. Two Sides of a Story • 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Management Strategies • Forcing/Competitive • Aggressive • Argumentative • Forceful/Yelling • Impatient • No time for Discussion • Win-Lose (lion wins)

7. Management Strategies • Avoiding • Timid/Shy/Fearful • Silent Treatment • Walk Away/Leave • Ignore conflict • Unassertive • Uncomfortable expressing opinions • Lose-Lose

8. 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)

9. 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

10. Management Strategies • Collaborating • Problem-solving • Two heads are better than one • Patient • Mutual agreement • Respect other opinions • Win-win

11. Competitive GOOD 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. • 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

12. Avoiding GOOD 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. • 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.

13. Accommodating GOOD BAD When it happens often and you wish you could speak up more. When you are constantly being taken advantage of • When harmony is valued. • When the relationship is most important. • When there is little time for discussion.

14. Compromising GOOD BAD When a solution is possible if you work a little longer. When people start game-playing. • 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.

15. Collaborating GOOD BAD When you don’t care that much about the issue. When an urgent decision must be made. Remember the Titans Warm-Up • 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.

16. Can you identify the style? • Remember the Titans Video