Step 1: Begin by describing a conflict in your life. Below are some examples to guide you as
you choose a conflict.
A team member was not doing their assignments on time causing the team to suffer delays
while dissatisfaction grew among the other team members. Also, productivity was being
affected so I had to intervene by scheduling a meeting to have a conversation with him in
order to get to the core and the root cause of his behavior.
Step 2: Answer the following questions.
1. What active listening skills would you use to address the conflict?
I would seek for understanding and I would try to address his concerns, allowing him to feel
that he is being listened to and that his concerns are being heard.
2. Which of the five approaches to conflict would you choose?
After listening to that team member carefully, I would chose the compromise approach (win
some – lose some) in order to get him do the job he is supposed to do and I would address
the matter more in depth after the team concluded its task.
3. What is the right time or circumstance to intervene in the conflict?
The right time is when you see that productivity is starting to be affected and that the other
team members are getting frustrated with the situation.
4. How can you avoid communication problems when dealing with conflict?
By speaking clearly, trying to understand what the other part has to say, not leaving things in
the shadows and trying to clear misunderstandings.
5. What do you need to do to produce a collaborative solution?
You need to engage and work together with the other party towards a mutually satisfying
solution.