Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace. Whether it’s a disagreement over responsibilities, communication gaps, or differences in work styles, conflict can appear in even the healthiest organizations. What truly defines a strong team isn’t the absence of conflict it’s how conflict is handled.
When left unresolved, tension can quickly erode trust, lower productivity, and damage relationships. But when approached thoughtfully, conflict can actually strengthen understanding, spark innovation, and build resilience among employees.
Understanding Conflict Styles
Every individual approaches conflict differently. Some prefer to avoid it altogether, while others address it head-on. The key is understanding these differences and finding balance. Using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Instrument (TKI), participants in SDEA’s Resolving Conflict class learn to identify their preferred conflict style and understand the five basic approaches to managing disagreements:
- Competing – Standing firm and asserting one’s position.
- Collaborating – Finding a win-win solution through open discussion.
- Compromising – Meeting halfway when both parties give a little.
- Avoiding – Stepping back to cool down or postpone a heated situation.
- Accommodating – Putting others’ needs before one’s own to maintain harmony.
By recognizing which style they naturally lean toward, employees and leaders can adapt their approach based on each situation creating a more balanced and constructive outcome.
Reserving Relationships While Resolving Conflict
The goal of conflict resolution isn’t to “win” the argument it’s to preserve relationships and keep communication channels open. In the Resolving Conflict class, participants learn how to manage difficult conversations with empathy, stay objective under pressure, and guide disagreements toward mutual understanding.
When teams can discuss differences respectfully, they not only solve problems faster but also build trust that lasts.
Join the Resolving Conflict Class
If you want to strengthen your communication and conflict resolution skills, join SDEA’s upcoming Resolving Conflict class.
- November 12 & 13, 2025
- 9:00–10:30 AM
- $149 Members | $199 Non-Members
This interactive session will help participants identify their conflict management style, apply practical resolution techniques, and build stronger workplace relationships.
At SDEA, we believe that workplace challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth through the right tools and training.
SDEA provides public webinars semi-monthly or can conduct training onsite or via webinar specifically for your company.
- Call us for more information at (858) 505-0024 or check out our training calendar.
When you are a member of SDEA, we are HeRe with you!
