WHAT IS MY BASIC CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STYLE?

Indicate how often you do the following when you differ with someone by inserting the appropriate number after the statements. Answer as you actually do behave, not as you think you should behave. 5 Usually 4 Quite a bit 3 Sometimes 2 Occasionally 1 Seldom

When I differ with someone, Set A 1. 2. 3. 4. I explore our differences, not backing down, but not imposing my view either. I disagree openly and then invite more discussion about our differences. I look for a mutually satisfactory solution. Rather than let the other person make a decision without my input, I make sure I am heard and also that I hear the other person out. Sum the points for questions 1-4 to get your Set A score Set B 5. 6. 7. 8. I agree to a middle ground rather than look for a completely satisfying solution. I admit I am half wrong rather than explore our differences. I have a reputation for meeting a person halfway. I expect to get out about half of what I really want to say. Sum the points for questions 5-8 to get your Set B score Set C 9. 10. 11. 12. I give in totally rather than try to change anothers opinion. I put aside any controversial aspects of an issue. I agree early on, rather than argue about a point. I give in as soon as the other party gets emotional about an issue. Sum the points for questions 9-12 to get your Set C score Set D 13. 14. 15. I try to win the other person over. I work to come out victorious, no matter what. I never back away from a good argument.

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16.

I would rather win than end up compromising. Sum the points for questions 13-16 to get your Set D score

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Set E 17. 18. 19. 20.

I prefer to avoid the other person until the problem is solved. I would rather lose than risk an emotional confrontation. I feel that most differences are not worth worrying about. I try to postpone discussing the issue until I can think it through thoroughly. Sum the points for questions 17-20 to get your Set E score

SCORING & INTERPRETATION Total your choices for each set of statements, grouped as follows: Set A (items 1-4) Set B (items 5-8) Set C (items 9-12) Set D (items 13-16) Set E (items 17-20) ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

Set A, B, C, D, and E represent the following conflict resolution strategies: A = Collaborating: B = Compromising: C = Accommodating: D = Competing/Forcing E = Avoiding I win, and you win Both win some, lose some I lose, you win. I win, you lose I lose, you lose

Treat each set separately to determine your relative frequency of use. A score of 17 or above on any set is high. When you differ with someone you do these things more often than most people Scores of 8-16 are moderate. When you differ with someone, you behave in these ways the same as most people Scores of 7 or less are considered low. When you differ with someone, you behave in these ways less often than most people. Everyone has a preferred or habitual conflict-handling style. High scores in a set indicate the strategies you rely on most often. Scores do not indicate proficiency at using a strategy. The key thing to consider when analyzing your conflict style is whether it is appropriate for the conflict situations you usually encounter with respect to the outcomes you desire.

Bring your scores with you to class. They will provide the starting point for a discussion. After class put your self-assessment, scores, and interpretation into your self-assessments folder.