Conflict Is Good If You Recognize Its Inherent Creative Potential

The Five Main Conflict Styles

1. Pit bull: Argumentative, intimidating, threatening and competitive, the pit bull avoids concession and is most effective in a full scale war when compromising or backing down could mean defeat.
2. Golden Retriever: Accommodating and loyal, the golden retriever is a people pleaser and is most effective at team building.
3. Roadrunner: Avoiding conflict at all costs, the roadrunner never engages in petty disputes.
4. Cobra: The cobra includes others in the conflict rather than directly engaging the persons involved. They successfully build a consensus among the powerless.
5. Eagle: The eagle approaches conflict swiftly, impartially,and with precision.
*Here's how to tame your fear of conflict and learn to use it to your advantage:
1. Identify your own conflict style and how it defines your leadership and communication skills in conflict.
2. Don't take a stand. Instead, identify your needs and interests.
3. Avoid personality clashes and focus on problem solving.
4. Establish parameters and work within them to manage and resolve conflict.