Application 5.2 Style in your group
I was received the results from application 5.1, but it was a great exercise to help gauge my own style of conflict. For situation A, I chose living with my sister and for situation B, I chose working with my boss. The highest score I had from the entire assessment was a 23 for Accommodation styles utilized with my boss. My lowest score was a 13 which was on Collaboration styles with my sister. I had relatively static scores throughout the assessment, but I am extremely accommodating with my boss, and less inclined to work with my sister. I think these are pretty normal aspects, as most people should be accommodating of their boss or else they could lose their job. However, I feel that being accommodating does not necessarily mean suppressing my own emotions or needs when it comes to work. I feel that I have a close relationship with my boss, but accommodation is typically utilized out of respect. I think I scored so high on accommodation strictly because of the nature of the working relationship. My sister scored a 15 on accommodation. I feel less inclined to make accommodations for her, give her the benefit of the doubt, or satisfy her expectations.
I did my sister’s score in the competition and compromise style was relatively high. I definitely use my influence in the household to get my ideas accepted, and use my authority in the house to make a decision in my favor. I think that I have a general lack of consideration for her, and I have a habit of returning that when I feel that she displays it with me. I realize that an appropriate way to resolve the conflict, or improve relations. On the other hand, my boss scored a 13 on competition styles. I feel that I am accommodating with her, but also slightly competitive. The Competitive style for my boss was the lowest score out of any of the conflict styles I use at work. I again think this is normal, because of the nature of the relationship. However, I feel that I do exhibit some forms of competitiveness, especially when it comes to using my expertise to making a decision that favors me. Sometimes it is not bad to be competitive with your boss. For example, if we get busy at work and I find that I and my boss are working on the same thing, I will try to complete it before she does. I think this shows initiative and determination, and can be beneficial in a work setting.
I scored higher than I had anticipated on my Avoidance style, receiving a 21 for my boss and a 13 for my sister. At work, I really do not care to be “put on the spot”, and I am sometimes inclined to keep conflict to myself if I believe it could compromise the efficacy of my work. I will also keep disagreements to myself if I think it will avoid hard feelings. All in all, I am very happy to have an idea of how I deal with conflict. I think the assessment was efficient, and it has given me some insight into things I would like to work on. For example, I feel that I could be more approachful when it comes to conflict at work, and I also feel I could be more collaborative with my sister at home. I think both of these aspects could optimize my method of dealing with conflict.
Question
2. For those who have different answers, answer this question: “what is it about the two situations that prompt me to use different style”?
Answer:
There are a number of things that prompt me to use different styles in the two situations. The two situations are very different. For type A, I was answering the questions in a residential setting, with my sister as the point of interest. For type B, I was answering the questions with the impression of a work setting and my boss being the point of interest. No one is exactly the same while they are at home or at work. I behave differently at work than home, and I also utilize avoidance and accommodation styles more at work with my boss than at home with my sister. I think this is normal based on the nature of the relationships.
4. What are the advantages of using different styles across the two situations?
Answer:
I think it has many advantage of using different style across the two situations. It depends on your vision and aspect of using it. For example, I think that it is important to be collaborative and compromising with both my boss and my sister.
5. Do personal situations and less personal situations call for different styles?
Answer:
The personal nature of a situation does call for different styles. I am less inclined to be competitive with people I don’t know. Some minor misunderstanding or conflict when I am out shopping or in the street will usually result in an accommodation style. However, I may be more inclined to be competitive if the conflict occurs at home. I have found that the more I know the person, the more inclined I am to be competitive, collaborative, and compromising. If I do not know the person, I am more inclined to be accommodating and avoidant.