Conflict Resolution Frameworks

What’s Your Conflict Style?

Every conflict requires a different approach. Choose your style wisely.

• COMPETING (I Win, You Lose)

  • When to Use: In an emergency, or when you know you are right on a critical issue.
  • Watch Out: Overuse damages relationships.

• AVOIDING (I Lose, You Lose)

  • When to Use: When the issue is trivial or you need to let people cool down.
  • Watch Out: The problem might get worse if you ignore it.

• ACCOMMODATING (I Lose, You Win)

  • When to Use: When you’re wrong, or the issue is much more important to the other person.
  • Watch Out: Don’t be a doormat.

• COMPROMISING (We Both Win Some, We Both Lose Some)

  • When to Use: To find a quick, temporary solution when time is tight.
  • Watch Out: You might be settling for a mediocre outcome.

• COLLABORATING (I Win, You Win)

  • When to Use: When the issue is too important to compromise and you need full buy-in.
  • Watch Out: This takes a lot of time and energy.

The Pro Move: Know your own default style and learn to flex into the other four when the situation demands it.