After answering the self-assessment of my preferred conflict handling style, as honestly as possible, I scored the following in the five categories listed:
- Yielding – 11/20 (moderate preference)
- Compromising – 14/20 (moderate preference)
- Forcing – 7/20 (low preference)
- Problem solving – 17/20 (high preference)
- Avoiding – 11/20 (moderate preference)
The test realised my general nature of wanting to find common ground and to solve conflict between parties. Problem solving was my most preferred conflict management style, which compliments my empathetic and creative mind. Compromising was my next preferred conflict management style, which surprised me a little, as I would view myself more as a problem-solver than some who’d work towards compromise. However, working towards a compromise between parties is a good quality for a leader to possess, and this is something I would like to extend. I need to work on developing my avoidance of conflict, facing it instead of running away or keeping quiet, and seeing it as an opportunity for energy, creativity, innovation and transformation (Campbell and Clarke, 2015); as well as how I yield to those who have the “louder voice” within conflict. A flaw in my personality is that I care a lot of what people think and therefore, at times, I do not voice my opinions and ideas. I’ve never been, nor would I ever want to be, a dictator. Therefore I am pleased that my “forcing” category was my lowest preference when it can to conflict resolution.
Overall, this activity showed me that I am heading in the right direction with my conflict management and the areas in which I need development. Hopefully, this analysis will help shape me into a professional and transformational leader.
McGraw-Hill Education Holding, LLC. (2019). ‘Self-assessment 11.4 What is your preferred conflict handing style?‘. Retrieved from: http://highered.mheducation.com/sites/007040187x/student_view0/chapter11/self-assessment_11_4.html
Campbell, C.M & Clarke, S. [TEDx Talks]. (2015). Conflict – Use it, don’t defuse it [Video file]. Retrieved from Retrieved Mar 2017 from https://youtu.be/o97fVGTjE4w
[19.13 mins]