Conflict Resolution Styles Worksheet

Name: _________________________ Date: __________________

Part 1: Matching Conflict Styles

Match each description to the correct conflict resolution style. Write the letter of the style in the blank next to its description.

Styles:
A. Avoiding
B. Accommodating
C. Competing
D. Compromising
E. Collaborating

1. ____ This style involves giving in to the other person's wishes to maintain harmony, often at the expense of one's own needs.
2. ____ This style is assertive and uncooperative, focused on winning at all costs and achieving one's own goals.
3. ____ This style involves sidestepping the issue, denying conflict exists, or postponing confrontation.
4. ____ This style is assertive and cooperative, where both parties work together to find a solution that satisfies everyone's concerns.
5. ____ This style involves each party giving up something to reach a mutually acceptable solution, meeting in the middle.

Part 2: Scenario Analysis

Read each scenario and identify which conflict resolution style is being used. Then, explain why you think that style is being used and suggest an alternative, more effective style if appropriate.

Scenario 1:

Maria and John are working on a group project. Maria wants to present their findings using a slide deck, but John insists on creating a video. They argue for a bit, and then Maria says, "Fine, let's just do the video. I don't want to fight about it."

Conflict Style Used: _________________________

Why this style?

Is it effective? Why or why not?

Suggest an alternative style and explain why:

Scenario 2:

Two co-workers, Sarah and David, both want to use the company's only high-speed printer for a large job. Sarah immediately pulls rank, saying, "I have a deadline from the boss that's more important, so I'm using it first."

Conflict Style Used: _________________________

Why this style?

Is it effective? Why or why not?

Suggest an alternative style and explain why:

Scenario 3:

A new schedule is being implemented at work, and you disagree with a change that affects your availability. Instead of talking to your manager, you just hope it will blow over or that someone else will bring it up.

Conflict Style Used: _________________________

Why this style?

Is it effective? Why or why not?

Suggest an alternative style and explain why:

Part 3: Personal Reflection

1. Which conflict resolution style do you tend to use most often in your own life? Why do you think that is?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Is there a conflict style you would like to try to use more often? How might that change your interactions?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Conflict Scenario Cards Activity

Instructions: Cut out each scenario card. In your small groups, read each scenario and discuss the following:

1. What is the core conflict in this situation?
2. Which conflict resolution style(s) do you see being used (or potentially used)?
3. What would be the most effective conflict resolution strategy for this scenario?
4. How would you approach the conversation? What would you say?
5. Be prepared to role-play one of these scenarios for the class!

Scenario Card 1: The Group Project Goof

Your group has a big presentation tomorrow. One member, Alex, hasn't done their part, and now the whole project is at risk. You're feeling frustrated and worried about your grade.

Scenario Card 2: The Scheduling Struggle

Your manager just posted the new work schedule, and you noticed you're scheduled to work every Saturday for the next month, even though you explicitly requested Saturdays off for a recurring family commitment. Another co-worker also looks upset about their schedule.

Scenario Card 3: The Missing Supplies

You've been preparing for a big client meeting all morning, and you just went to grab the specific colored markers you need for your presentation board. You find your colleague, Taylor, using all of them for their own (less urgent) task, and they look annoyed when you approach.

Scenario Card 4: The Loud Music Listener

You share an open office space with a colleague, Chris, who constantly listens to music without headphones, which makes it very difficult for you to concentrate on your detailed tasks. You've tried dropping hints, but it hasn't worked.

Scenario Card 5: The Credit Caper

You spent weeks developing a new process that significantly improved efficiency at your workplace. In a team meeting, your colleague, Jamie, presents the idea as their own, taking all the credit, and your manager praises them for it.

Conflict Resolution Role-Play Game

Goal: To practice applying effective conflict resolution strategies in realistic workplace scenarios.

Players: Small groups of 3-4 students (one student can be an observer/feedback provider if groups are odd).

Materials: Conflict Scenario Cards Activity

How to Play:

1. Choose a Scenario: From your Conflict Scenario Cards Activity, select one scenario that your group will role-play.
2. Assign Roles: Assign roles within your group (e.g., the two people in conflict, a neutral observer, a manager if applicable to the scenario).
3. Plan Your Approach: As a group, discuss:
   • What is the root cause of the conflict?
   • Which conflict resolution style(s) would be most effective here (e.g., Collaborating, Compromising)?
   • What specific steps will the people in conflict take to resolve the issue?
   • What will each person say and do to ensure a constructive conversation?
4. Role-Play: Act out the scenario, focusing on demonstrating clear communication, active listening, empathy, and working towards a mutually agreeable solution.
5. Observer Feedback (if applicable): If you have an observer, their role is to take notes on:
   • What conflict styles were used?
   • What worked well in the resolution attempt?
   • What could have been done differently to improve the outcome?
6. Debrief: After the role-play, discuss as a group:
   • How did it feel to be in that role?
   • Was the conflict resolved effectively? Why or why not?
   • What did you learn about conflict resolution from this role-play?

Tips for Effective Role-Playing:

• Stay in Character: Try to genuinely embody your assigned role.
• Listen Actively: Pay attention to what the other person is saying, both verbally and non-verbally.
• Use "I" Statements: Focus on expressing your feelings and needs without blaming.
• Brainstorm Solutions: Work together to find creative solutions.
• Aim for a Win-Win: Try to find an outcome where everyone feels heard and respected.

Be prepared to share your role-play and your group's reflections with the class!

Cool Down: Conflict Reflection

Name: _________________________ Date: __________________

Reflecting on Conflict Resolution

Take a few minutes to think about what you learned today and how you might apply it.

1. Before this lesson, how did you typically react to conflict? (e.g., avoid, get angry, give in)
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one new thing you learned today about conflict resolution or the different conflict styles?
   
   
   
   
   

3. Think about a potential conflict you might face (in school, with friends, or in a future job). Which conflict resolution style do you think would be most effective in that situation, and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What is one practical step you can take to improve your own conflict resolution skills?