FIVE STYLES OF MANAGING CONFLICT
The Turtle: Any signs of conflict causes withdrawal. The Turtle’s style is that of avoidance. Will rather avoid conflict than face it. Is low on both goals and relationships.
The Shark: Tackles conflict head on. Is not concerned much with needs of others and assumes that conflict is settled by one person winning and the other losing. Is high on goals and low on relationship – achieve goal at any cost.
The Teddy Bear: Smoothes over conflict. Avoids in favour of harmony. Does not believe that conflict can be resolved without it affecting the relationship unless someone gives way. Is high on relationship and low on goals.
The Fox: Is prepared to meet the other half-way. Will concede part and persuade the other side to do the same. Both sides win but both sides also lose. More or less ambivalent towards goals and relationships.
The Owl. Uses confrontation as a means of managing conflict. Sees conflict as a means of improving the relationship. Highly values both goals and relationships and therefore seeks solutions that will satisfy both groups. i.e. a third way.
NOTE: Conflict is inevitable, conflict is not necessarily negative, conflict can be productive if used properly, avoidance of conflict can cause distancing. Our challenge – learn how to have constructive conflict, it probably will be unique to each person.
