Inventory Reflection

• Improve your communication skills: Conflict can often be caused by poor communication. By learning how to communicate effectively, you can reduce the likelihood of conflict and improve your ability to resolve it when it does occur.

The Style Matters Inventory is a helpful tool for understanding your default approach to conflict. It is a self-assessment that measures your preferences for dealing with conflict. The inventory is based on the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, which is a widely used and respected tool for assessing conflict resolution styles.

The Style Matters Inventory measures five different conflict resolution styles:

• Accommodating: This style involves putting the other person's needs ahead of your own. You may be willing to compromise or even give in to avoid conflict.
• Avoiding: This style involves avoiding conflict altogether. You may try to change the subject, walk away, or pretend that the conflict doesn't exist.
• Compromising: This style involves finding a middle ground between your needs and the other person's needs. You may be willing to give up something in order to reach an agreement.
• Competing: This style involves putting your own needs ahead of the other person's needs. You may be willing to argue, debate, or even force your way to get what you want.
• Collaborating: This style involves working together with the other person to find a solution that meets both of your needs. You may be willing to share information, listen to the other person's point of view, and work towards a win-win solution.

The Style Matters Inventory can help you to understand your own conflict resolution style and how it might be affecting your relationships. It can also help you to develop strategies for dealing with conflict in a more effective way.

Understanding your default approach to conflict can be helpful in many ways. It can help you to:

• Identify your own triggers: What are the things that typically make you feel angry, frustrated, or upset? Once you know your triggers, you can start to develop strategies for dealing with them in a healthy way.
• Recognize the other party's style: Everyone has a different way of dealing with conflict. Some people are more assertive, while others are more passive. By understanding the other party's style, you can be more effective in communicating with them.
• Choose the right conflict resolution strategy: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to conflict resolution. The best strategy will vary depending on the situation and the people involved. By understanding your own style and the other party's style, you can choose the strategy that is most likely to be successful.