Steps to Growth Capital Investor Readiness Skills

3.4 Understand Conflict Resolution Styles

Understanding how people deal with conflict may help you see it coming and handle it more effectively. There are several typical styles, but most people rely on one particular style out of habit. Often, too, we may unconsciously react very negatively to another style just because it isn't our own preferred approach.

Be careful about trying to pigeonhole the other person into one style during a negotiation. The way an individual addresses conflict may change based on the situation at hand. And your reactions and behaviour may also influence the other person to adopt a different style.

Examine Your Style and Reactions

Look over the following styles of handling conflict. Can you identify your own preferred approach? Of the approaches you don't usually take, which ones make you uncomfortable? If an investor adopts one of those styles, how will you handle your negative reactions? What will you do to exert a positive influence on the situation?

Collaboration Often Recommended

While each style has its own advantages and disadvantages, the collaboration style is often recommended as it allows both parties to gain maximum benefits from the interaction. The style that you use will be influenced by your present motivation and emotional state, the circumstances that led up to the conflict, your personality, the investor's willingness to participate and many other issues.

While the collaboration method is preferred, it isn't always possible to achieve. A good understanding of the different styles and their uses will help you devise your strategy for resolving conflict. A description of the advantages and disadvantages of each style is contained in the Conflict Resolution Styles Tool.

<< Previous | Next >>