Conflict Resolution Styles … So, Which Shade of Orange Are You?
January 27, 2013
During a recent team building training at my workplace, I heard a great story about internal conflict resolution styles and how these affect the end result.
Two employees, Chris from sales and Ana from professional services, both want the last remaining orange in the break room. A seemingly reasonable solution would be to compromise and split the orange in half. That makes perfect sense, right?
Let’s assume that’s what they do. Problem solved. Well, not quite. Later, we learn Chris actually wanted the juice from the orange to make a special drink for the sales team, while Ana wanted the rind of the orange to use as an ingredient for a cake she planned to bake for the professional services team.
Had they discussed their respective needs and worked together collaboratively, each could have had the equivalent of a whole orange. The situation was initially perceived as a conflict by the parties involved, while it was actually complimentary.
The lesson learned from the ‘orange conflict’ can easily be applied to a plethora of conflicts that arise in any workplace. Collaboration is not always the best conflict resolution style.
Furthermore, one shouldn’t expect each person to resolve a conflict in the same manner. According to the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), based on an individual’s tendency to be assertive or cooperative, their conflict resolution style will vary between one of the following five standard modes: competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding and accommodating.
If Chris is extremely competitive and Ana overly avoiding, the whole orange ends up in Chris’s hands. Such an outcome can potentially harm their working relationship because Ana could lose trust in working with Chris.
So what is the real takeaway here? It is important to be aware of the five conflict resolution styles so you can identify when it is appropriate to apply one or the other to a conflict in order to reach the most desirable result.
Additionally, learning which conflict resolution style you tend to favor will help you find the areas where you can improve on your conflict resolution skills. Each of the five styles represent practical social skills you can use effectively when working with one or more people to resolve a work conflict. Next time you run into a workplace conflict, ask yourself - “What can I contribute best to the team through my five shades of orange?”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment