Conflict Strategies Inventory
Second Edition 
Eileen M. Russo, PhD and Matthew Eckler

Conflict happens. And that's a good thing. 

Some people thrive on it. Some try to run from it. And others avoid it altogether. But regardless of how people respond to conflict, one thing is certain. It's present in all aspects of life, both personal and professional. The trick to prospering through conflict is to first understand it - and then know how to manage it effectively. In fact, research shows that proper conflict resolution can result in the stimulation of new ideas and solutions, better problem solving, and even performance improvement. 

The Conflict Strategies Inventory addresses the challenge of handling conflict. Based on the well-known Blake and Mouton styles grid as well as the work of many other respected researchers, the self-assessment uses ten hypothetical workplace situations to identify a preference for one of five basic conflict strategies: Integrating, Avoiding, Smoothing, Competing, andCompromising. 
Learning Outcomes
  • Identify one's preferred strategy for managing conflict
  • Learn the five different ways people react to conflict
  • Understand how to apply the Integrating strategy to conflict
  • Create an action plan to resolve current conflicts

Trainers have relied upon the Conflict Strategies Inventory for more than 15 years as a go-to resource for learning how to manage conflict in the workplace. It's an excellent way to introduce the five response strategies, create a personal Conflict Strategy Profile, encourage people to consider different perspectives, and take immediate action to resolve recurrent issues. From general staff to team members and managers, individuals at all levels of the organization will find this tool immensely helpful. 
The Conflict Strategies Inventory is based upon the well-known Blake and Mouton styles grid as well as the works of many other respected researchers in the field of conflict management. Presented with ten hypothetical workplace situations, individuals identify a preference for one of five basic conflict strategies: Integrating, Avoiding, Smoothing, Competing, and Compromising. The self-assessment takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and we recommend you allow up to an hour for the interpretation of results, debrief, and action planning.