Thomas-Kilmann Test

Or how to know what style of conflict resolution I take naturally

Conflict resolution style Score

Accommodating (Yielding) 13

Compromising 14

Competing (Forcing) 11

Collaborating (Problem-solving) 16

Avoiding 16

Reflection

Over the course of the years, I have been involved in thousands of

conversations, many of them involving conflict, whether it be severe or mild.
Taking part in conflicts has helped me develop psychologically, given the fact
that I could see or begin to understand how the other party involved acts and
what are the main reasons behind their behaviour.

After taking the conflict-handling styles test, I was intrigued to find out that
most of my results are within the average interval displayed there, which
makes me realize that the tests have been quite accurate regarding how the
conflict styles apply to me in real-life situations.

My “yielding” conflict style score was almost above the usual average, score
with which I agree, to some extent. I am a person who listens to other side’s
wishes, to their opinions and tries to weigh in balance their interests with mine,
but from my point of view, I would score my “yielding” trait around 10-11, since
I don’t see myself agreeing and giving in with everything one’s has to say, no
matter my interests. I believe that everyone needs to stand up to his opinions,
most of the times.

Furthermore, a compromise is always welcome from my side. In this case, I

fully agree with the score received. For example, throughout this academic
year and more specifically this module, I had to make compromises and reach
a middle ground with lots of parties, given our interactions and necessity of
delivering quality products. There were times were interests have been
conflicting, but nevertheless I always try to measure my gains, while I’m also
trying to consider and understand others’ points of view and interests so that
we can all be on the same page and move forward with our progress.

As I previously stated before, I agree with most of the scores I have received
in the given test, except for one conflict style: “forcing”. From the provided
results, it may seem that I am over the top assertive person with a forceful
personality, which is false. I agree that everyone needs to argue and fully
believe in his opinions, but I am not a person that feels the need to force my
views upon the other party I am in conflict with, that’s why I never used any
influence tactics, except some scenarios which I can recall when I was a little
kid, misbehaving and trying to influence more naive fellow classmates to do
what I wished them to do (not as manipulative as it sounds).

In addition, a style with which I think I identify the most is “problem-solving”

type. I actually enjoy hearing what others have to say in a conflict because
their beliefs could be better structured/close to the truth than mine are. It is
always a good practice to listen carefully to other peoples’ ideas or points of
view, a practice which has brought me benefits in my high-school years,
where the real problem within groups competing for certain prizes first started.
I can proudly say that I always left my interest behind and I tried to help my
mates reach common ground and mutual agreement so that we can all have a
good time and not ruin friendship only because of competition.

Last but not least, avoiding conflict situations is a good choice, if possible,
from my perspective. This journey through life so far has taught me, that
sometimes is better to avoid getting in conflict with certain individuals who only
care about their interests, beliefs and who cannot see the bigger picture and
accept others’ ideas. My above-average score regarding “avoiding” conflict
style reflects indeed what I have been stating and emphasizes that my
persona avoids conflicts at all costs, thus no harm can be done to no one.
.