Conflict, in some form, is an inevitable part of change management. I find the idea of having a conflict resolution style interesting as I had never really thought of having a conscious style when dealing with conflict. I took the quiz here, to get some feedback about what my conflict resolution style might be. What I first noticed when taking the test was that I struggled with the language used in the test and many of the questions I fundamentally did not agree with. Many questions revolved around the idea of winning and losing or the idea of manipulation of others. I don’t ascribe to either of these ideas. For me, conflict has nothing to do with winning or losing. When a conflict arises, the resolution process begins with both people identifying the problem that needs to be resolved. It is about genuinely hearing the other person and validating their perspective. And then, finding a way forward that both parties can work with and accept.
Hence, I was quite interested to read my results, as I found them remarkably accurate. I was style V. It read:
Style V:
Your strategy is honesty and openness. You value both relationships and goals and look for a way to work with your opponent for a solution that is honest and satisfactory for both sides. The difference between Style V and Style IV is that Style V is not willing to compromise the truth, but, at the same time, they are patient enough to keep digging until they find a better solution that can satisfy everyone involved (Psychologia, n.d., para. 8).
So interestingly, I think that Style V does match how I view myself. I do try to live in an authentic, honest way and so it makes sense that my conflict resolution style would match this. I am a person who lives by my values and I do place a lot of importance on relationships in my personal and professional life. This quality has really supported me in my current role as a library coordinator, because it is through quality, trusting relationships that I have moved initiatives forward and built collaborations to support learning.
I think I need to develop my courage when it comes to conflict management. Sometimes, I do take the path of least resistance and sometimes, that means that I take on more than I need to so that I don’t have to have a difficult conversation. Through being able to articulate my style, I think that this explicit understanding will support me to be brave when future conflict arises.
Reference:
Psychologia. (n.d.). What’s your conflict resolution strategy? [Test]. https://psychologia.co/conflict-resolution/