Today I want to talk to you about the four ways that you as a leader can respond to conflict. If you’re a leader, you will experience conflict. So, how do you respond to it? Let’s take a look.
If the concern for others is low and your concern for yourself is low, then you are likely going to avoid the conflict. You will ignore it, or simply comply because there is little concern behind the issue. If you find yourself in this category, please consider taking a leave of absence for the sake of yourself and for those that have been placed under your care of leadership.
If your concern for others is really high and your concern for yourself is low, then you are likely just going to accommodate. You’ll be viewed as friendly, and maybe a helper, because there is nothing personal at stake for you but your response elevates others instead.
If the concern for others is low and your concern for yourself is really high, then you are going to be competitive. In your mind it is an A or a B, win or lose, proposition and you just want to win. You’re likely battling it out and you want to come out on top in the situation.
However, when your concern for others and concern for yourself are both high, you collaborate instead of compete. In this situation you are willing to work together to resolve the issue and find the best solution for everyone unlike the leader in the competitive posture. You are looking for a win for everyone. You have the future in mind, not running the risk of winning the battle but losing the war.
Now that you better understand the four responses to conflict, what are you going to do about it?
