Conflict Management Techniques

OVERVIEW:
Conflict is largely a perceived phenomenon. Itis our perception of the situation that determines if aconflict exists. It is useful to assess our predominantconflict management style(s) because we tend to get stuck inone or two styles and apply them inappropriately. Theemphasis is not on judging any style right or wrong. Eachperson determines their predominant conflict managementstyle.

OBJECTIVES:
Identify personal management style(s), developan awareness of strategies used in each conflict managementstyle.SHARK - Competing - is assertive and uncooperative. An individual pursues his or her own concerns at the otherperson's expense. This is a power oriented mode in whichone uses whatever power seems appropriate to win ones ownposition. When to use Competition:
1. When you know you are right.
2. When you need a quick decision.
3. When you meet a steamroller type of person and you need to stand up for your own rights.

TEDDY BEAR - Accommodating - is unassertive anduncooperative. This is the opposite of competing. When accommodating, anindividual neglects his/her own concerns to satisfy theconcerns of the other person. There is an element of self-sacrifice in this mode. When to use accommodating:
1. When the issue is not so important to you but it is to the other person.
2. When you discover that you are wrong.
3. When continued competition would be detrimental - "you know you can't win."
4. When preserving harmony without disruption is the most important - "it's not the right time."