Introduction Conflict is inevitable when individuals have different life experiences, preferences, and perspectives. Conflict management is an important skill to develop in order to maintain poise and demonstrate professionalism. In this paper, I will discuss my personal conflict style. I will also discuss the effectiveness of my conflict styles and areas of improvement I identified in retrospect.
My Personal Conflict Style I view conflict as potentially destructive and I do my best to calm troubled waters. In an ideal world, conflict would not happen if people were considerate of others. I prefer when conflict does not happen. However, I do know that conflict is bound to happen. When it does, my first response is to defend my character. …show more content…
As a regulator, my “driving concern is to ensure that I am perceived as loyal and responsible” (Clayton Lafferty, 2009, p. 37). I believe “rules exist to maintain a harmonious and cooperative environment” (Clayton Lafferty, 2009, p. 37). I do not blindly do as I am told, especially if the rules violate my personal set of beliefs and morals. However, I am most comfortable with having guidelines in place as a roadmap. Even when addressing conflict, I prefer to follow a set of rules when addressing conflict. The worst feeling for me is when my behavior and actions are out of sync with regulations. I was a bit confused by the insulator style because I rarely depend on others for support. However, often times when I am not prepared for conflict, I feel my initial response is ineffective and weak. Only when I revisit the conflict in my mind at a later time, do I have a solid response. Deep down, I expect others to stand up for me because I feel I am a good person and I deserve communal protection. However, I am not afraid to defend myself individually. Lastly, I am most comfortable with my relationship builder style. Conflict can make me anxious and clumsy, but when I feel I have the upper hand during conflict, I immediately take the relationship builder approach. When others come to be as a mediator, I urge those involved in the conflict to maintain their …show more content…
Over time, I recognized that I do not have to hide behind rules and regulations. For example, I am an advisor to nursing students. When students are upset about the institution and express their dissatisfaction, I would not empathize with them in the past. However now, I make more accommodations. I am more transparent. Although I do not bash my organization, I let students know I understand their perspective. I am no longer afraid to state my own opinions in order to reach the student on a more personal level. I also realized I have a voice and I must speak up when issues arise that are important to me. An important suggestion is to “learn to assert and protect my own interests” and by doing so, I believe I will “build self-confidence, reduce stress, and approach the future with the spirit of adventure” (Clayton Lafferty, 2009, p. 43). Lastly, I can make improvements to my conflict style by holding people accountable. Again, using my voice to express my needs and maintain healthy relationships will help me excel. I know when it is time to let people go. And those that will stay in my life, I cannot allow them to walk over me, disregard my feelings, or constantly inconvenience
My Personal Conflict Style I view conflict as potentially destructive and I do my best to calm troubled waters. In an ideal world, conflict would not happen if people were considerate of others. I prefer when conflict does not happen. However, I do know that conflict is bound to happen. When it does, my first response is to defend my character. …show more content…
As a regulator, my “driving concern is to ensure that I am perceived as loyal and responsible” (Clayton Lafferty, 2009, p. 37). I believe “rules exist to maintain a harmonious and cooperative environment” (Clayton Lafferty, 2009, p. 37). I do not blindly do as I am told, especially if the rules violate my personal set of beliefs and morals. However, I am most comfortable with having guidelines in place as a roadmap. Even when addressing conflict, I prefer to follow a set of rules when addressing conflict. The worst feeling for me is when my behavior and actions are out of sync with regulations. I was a bit confused by the insulator style because I rarely depend on others for support. However, often times when I am not prepared for conflict, I feel my initial response is ineffective and weak. Only when I revisit the conflict in my mind at a later time, do I have a solid response. Deep down, I expect others to stand up for me because I feel I am a good person and I deserve communal protection. However, I am not afraid to defend myself individually. Lastly, I am most comfortable with my relationship builder style. Conflict can make me anxious and clumsy, but when I feel I have the upper hand during conflict, I immediately take the relationship builder approach. When others come to be as a mediator, I urge those involved in the conflict to maintain their …show more content…
Over time, I recognized that I do not have to hide behind rules and regulations. For example, I am an advisor to nursing students. When students are upset about the institution and express their dissatisfaction, I would not empathize with them in the past. However now, I make more accommodations. I am more transparent. Although I do not bash my organization, I let students know I understand their perspective. I am no longer afraid to state my own opinions in order to reach the student on a more personal level. I also realized I have a voice and I must speak up when issues arise that are important to me. An important suggestion is to “learn to assert and protect my own interests” and by doing so, I believe I will “build self-confidence, reduce stress, and approach the future with the spirit of adventure” (Clayton Lafferty, 2009, p. 43). Lastly, I can make improvements to my conflict style by holding people accountable. Again, using my voice to express my needs and maintain healthy relationships will help me excel. I know when it is time to let people go. And those that will stay in my life, I cannot allow them to walk over me, disregard my feelings, or constantly inconvenience