1. Your Team’s Conflict Style
From Introduction to Conflict and Teams, Ken and Gail Thomas, 2004
Competitor Team
Decision Making: Imposed by the formal
leader or reached through argument or
debate; speakers make their strongest
case to see whose position prevails.
Behaviors: Asserting and defending,
advocacy and challenge,
point/counterpoint debate.
Atmosphere: intense and edgy, candid,
sometimes loud and defensive; speakers
often put on the spot, likely to be
challenged by opposing positions.
Collaborator Team
Decision Making: By consensus, using
dialog or discussion to seek creative
decisions that integrate the insights and
needs of teammates.
Behaviors: building on the comments of
others; listening, suggesting possible
solutions, asking for others’ reactions.
Atmosphere: explanatory and open-
minded; respectful toward others’
contributions and insights; teammates
regarded as resources in reaching good
decisions.
High
Compromiser Team
Decision Making: Negotiation to find a
workable, acceptable middle-ground
settlement.
Behaviors: proposals and counter-
proposals that move toward agreement,
often splitting the difference.
Atmosphere: pragmatic and reasonable,
with moderate expectations; willing to
Give and take to make it work.
Assertiveness
Avoider Team
Decision Making: screening out or
postponing issues that are unnecessary
or unsafe – not wanting to open a “can of
worms.”
Behaviors: urging caution, changing the
topic, using humor or small talk to keep
things light, tabling issues.
Atmosphere: cautious about involvement
In time-consuming or contentious issues;
often easy going – “it’s not worth getting
excited over.”
Accommodator Team
Decision Making: supporting and
protecting teammates’ needs,
relationships often take priority over task
issues or personal concerns.
Behaviors: caretaking “what do you
need?”); gate keeping (“we haven’t heard
from you yet”); agreeing, appreciating
Others’ contributions, offering help.
Atmosphere: pleasant, friendly, generous,
Comfortable, safe; enjoying each other’s
company’; often idealistic about serving
or helping others.
Low
Low
High
Cooperativeness

2. Team Discussion
Read the descriptions on the previous page and underline any phrases that seem to fit your team especially well.
What phrases did people underline? Why?
What style(s) does your team tend to use most often?
What are some of the strengths/weaknesses of that style?
In what types of situations is that style most/less effective within your team?
When would other styles be more effective within your team meetings/discussions?
How can the team be more purposeful when selecting the appropriate conflict style to use in a given situation?