Conflict can be beneficial in relationships if you are able to recognize the significance of listening and speaking in a productive manner. A willingness to continuously work through the challenges of life affords you the opportunity to grow together. Conflict arises out of an inevitable clash of individual personalities. Managing conflict in an appropriate way is vital, especially within the workplace. When conflict is managed improperly, it has destructive results. Choosing an appropriate method of conflict approach allows the focus to be shifted from the individual to the issues at hand. Adopting a positive approach to conflict resolution supports a constructive outcome.
Competitive
Tending toward a competitive approach can be useful in times of crisis or imminent danger. People who use the competitive style of conflict believe they are right, take an unyielding stance and refuse to compromise in the situation. Those who utilize this method may be in a position of power derived from their rank in the workplace or persuasive control in the relationship. However, when this position of authority is abused for selfish motives, there are negative consequences. If this power is exploited, people are left feeling frustrated and resentful, and the issue remains unresolved.
Collaborative
Collaborative approach to conflict is an attempt to meet the demands of everyone involved by considering each viewpoint and finding the optimum possible solution. Those who engage in the collaborative style are usually extremely assertive in their respective viewpoints, but they differ from the competitor because they acknowledge and consider perspectives other than their own. The collaborator works effectively with others in finding an acceptable solution. Using this approach is useful when there are multiple obstinate standpoints. The desire to collaborate demonstrates a commitment to the relationship; yet, the process requires dedication from all sides and is usually time consuming and often exhausting.
Compromising
Compromising entails finding a solution that can pacify everyone to some extent, temporarily. This method necessitates each person to sacrifice something in the agreement. Settling for a middle ground is advantageous when opponents are deadlocked. On the other hand, compromise is usually only an ephemeral solution to perpetual discord. Establishing a pattern of compromise allows you to completely circumvent the source of the conflict, thereby causing damage to the future of the relationship.
Accommodating
The accommodating approach entails sacrificing your's own personal needs in a willingness to meet the demands of others. The accommodator doesn't assert a personal opinion for fear of additional conflict or a negative reaction from the person in control of the situation. Accommodating others may be constructive in a situation where harmony is more beneficial than winning an argument. Nevertheless, this style of approaching conflict can be void of any value if it's always the same person relinquishing control.
Avoiding
Evading conflict altogether is an ineffective approach in discord. This approach counteracts a fundamental premise for any healthy interpersonal relationship---communication. Conflict is characterized by a feeling of being attacked on the opinions or beliefs you cherish. When conflict isn't addressed, anger and resentment build and communication becomes obscured. Withholding effective means of communication strains any relationship and causes conflict that is more pronounced.
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