Conflict Management Styles

How would you handle this situation:

Your group of 4 is asked to construct a bridge. Two people have very different ideas about how the bridge is to be built and are beginning to argue why their version of the bridge should be built.

• A. I would pick the one I agree with and help them argue their side.

• B. I would make a chart of the pros and cons for each bridge and help the group reach an agreement.

• C. I would offer to research different bridges, but not pick a side.

• D. I won't put my opinion in, if I see that someone is getting upset I help them, I want everyone to get along.

• E. I know which idea I like better, I will help reach a compromise as long as some of my main ideas are included.

If there is a problem at recess or in gym while playing a game, you respond by:

• A. This is a competition, I compete to win and will argue to get the judgement in my favour.

• B. I will listen to both sides, take a deep breath and try to come up with a decision both sides are happy with.

• C. I stop playing, go for a drink and delay until a decision is made.

• D. I don't have to have the decision to go my way. I just want to play and have everyone get along.

• E. I will start to negotiate a solution so that people are happy enough to keep playing.

What sounds most like you?

• A. It is more important to me that I achieve what I set out to do, rather than that everyone around me likes/respects me.

• B. It is important to me that my personal goals and my friendships with others are equally valued.

• C. Sometimes I care about what I want and how people feel about me.

• D. It is important to me that people like and respect me, I will put my personal goals aside, in order to be liked.

• E. It is important to me that I feel like I am able to change my personal goals and friendships with others when necessary.

When my group is not getting along I see it as:

• A. A battle

• B. Something to be solved.

• C. Something to avoid.

• D. Something that happens.

• E. A negotiation.

Which of the following is a personal strength?

• A. Courageous

• B. Integrity

• C. Calm

• D. Friendliness

• E. Communication

What is something you need to work on?

• A. Being more empathetic.

• B. Being more concise.

• C. Being more involved.

• D. Being more vocal.

• E. Being more collaborative.

When someone lets you know they are mad at you about something that involves you, you react by:

• A. I confront the problem, head on. I need to feel like I have won.

• B. I discuss the problem, calmly until everyone feels the problem is solved. I need both people to feel like they have won.

• C. I want to hide, I don't want to talk about it. I am choosing to lose rather than be in a conflict.

• D. I apologize even if I am not sure it is my fault, so that there isn't a problem anymore. I am willing to lose if the other person needs to feel like they have won.

• E. I see it is a compromise, we both give a little we both win and lose a little.

The motto for dealing with conflicts is:

• A. The strongest personality always wins.

• B. Two heads are better than one.

• C. I would rather not deal with it.

• D. I don't care that much have it your way.

• E. Let's split the difference.

Which letter did you have the most of?

• A. You are a competitive shark.

• B. You are a collaborative owl.

• C. You are an avoiding turtle.

• D. You are an accommodating teddy bear.

• E. You are a compromising fox.