Conflict in business — with employees, partners, customers, vendors — is inevitable. Most leaders have a default conflict resolution style (avoidance, accommodation, competition, compromise, collaboration) without realizing it. Developing awareness and alternatives produces better outcomes.
Common patterns
Avoiders defer conflicts that compound. Accommodators give up too much too easily. Competitors damage relationships unnecessarily. Compromisers reach lukewarm solutions. Collaborators take longer but reach better solutions.
What to develop
Awareness of your default. Skill in 2-3 alternative approaches. Recognition of which style fits which situation. Most leaders need more collaboration and less avoidance.