Conflict Style Assessment

For each statement, choose the response that most closely reflects your behavior in conflict situations. Use the following scale:

• A (Always): I do this consistently.
• O (Often): I do this regularly but not always.
• S (Sometimes): I do this occasionally.
• R (Rarely): I rarely respond this way.
• N (Never): I never respond this way.

1. When I find myself in conflict, I strive to satisfy my own concerns.

• A / O / S / R / N

2. I try to find a middle ground when resolving disagreements.

• A / O / S / R / N

3. I avoid confrontations and prefer to wait until things calm down.

• A / O / S / R / N

4. I try to collaborate with others to find a solution that benefits everyone.

• A / O / S / R / N

5. I prioritize the needs of others, even if it means sacrificing my own preferences.

• A / O / S / R / N

6. I argue my position strongly to convince others.

• A / O / S / R / N

7. I believe that compromise is the best way to resolve conflicts.

• A / O / S / R / N

8. I tend to avoid addressing conflicts because I find it uncomfortable.

• A / O / S / R / N

9. I actively seek a solution that takes everyone’s concerns into account.

• A / O / S / R / N

10. I let others have their way if it helps to maintain harmony.

• A / O / S / R / N

11. I assert my opinions strongly and expect others to align with them.

• A / O / S / R / N

12. I look for ways to meet others halfway in a conflict situation.

• A / O / S / R / N

13. I ignore conflicts in the hope that they will resolve themselves over time.

• A / O / S / R / N

14. I work toward finding a solution that satisfies everyone’s interests.

• A / O / S / R / N

15. I am willing to give up my own interests to maintain relationships with others.

• A / O / S / R / N

Scoring Your Conflict Style

Now, tally your responses for each style.

Competing (Assertive, Uncooperative)

• Add up your responses for Questions: 1, 6, 11
• A = 5 points, O = 4 points, S = 3 points, R = 2 points, N = 1 point

Collaborating (Assertive, Cooperative)

• Add up your responses for Questions: 4, 9, 14
• A = 5 points, O = 4 points, S = 3 points, R = 2 points, N = 1 point

Compromising (Moderate Assertiveness, Moderate Cooperation)

• Add up your responses for Questions: 2, 7, 12
• A = 5 points, O = 4 points, S = 3 points, R = 2 points, N = 1 point

Avoiding (Unassertive, Uncooperative)

• Add up your responses for Questions: 3, 8, 13
• A = 5 points, O = 4 points, S = 3 points, R = 2 points, N = 1 point

Accommodating (Unassertive, Cooperative)

• Add up your responses for Questions: 5, 10, 15
• A = 5 points, O = 4 points, S = 3 points, R = 2 points, N = 1 point

Understanding Your Results

• Competing: High scores here suggest you are assertive and focused on achieving your goals, sometimes at the expense of others' concerns. You might be driven by competition and are likely to take a stand in conflicts.
• Collaborating: If you scored high, you value cooperation and actively seek win-win solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved.
• Compromising: A high score indicates you prefer middle-ground solutions and are willing to give up part of your own needs to reach an agreement that satisfies both sides.
• Avoiding: A high score in this area suggests you prefer to sidestep conflict, hoping it resolves on its own. You may feel uncomfortable dealing with conflict directly.
• Accommodating: If you scored high, you are inclined to place others’ needs above your own to maintain peace and harmony, sometimes at the expense of your own goals.

Reflection

• Do your conflict styles vary in different situations?
• How could adopting different conflict styles improve outcomes in future conflicts?
• Which style do you use most, and how does it impact your relationships or leadership?