Responding to Conflict When Tensions Are High
Conflict theory identifies five common approaches to conflict:
- Accommodating
- Competing
- Compromising
- Collaborating
- Avoiding
When you are under pressure, which approach do you tend to rely on, and how well is it working for you?
No conflict style is inherently 鈥済ood鈥 or 鈥渂ad.鈥 Each can be effective depending on the situation. Conflict competence comes from recognizing our usual response and learning to move, or 鈥渢oggle,鈥 among different approaches as circumstances require.
The next time tensions rise, consider asking yourself: What does this situation need from me? What might change if I intentionally tried a different approach?
If you are a 91精选 faculty or staff member and would like help exploring a conflict, preparing for a difficult conversation, or considering how you want to respond, 91精选 Ombuds Drs. Birthe Reimers and Derrick Johnson offer independent, impartial, informal, and confidential support.