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WHAT'S NEW
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Quiz: What's your conflict style?
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Find out if you're more likely to fight fair or go for the low blow.
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By Natalie Bahadur
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Answer key
If you answered mostly As: Cutthroat
You're feisty and don't take conflict sitting down. You come out swinging and others might describe you as confrontational. You can be quick to offend -- even if you don't intend to -- and you can be unwilling to compromise. Let's face it: sometimes, it just feels good to give as good as you get.
You're a spitfire in many aspects of your life and this makes you feel really, truly alive. You don't allow your anger to fester because you believe it will eat you up inside. But, while it's important to be honest and to speak your mind, be mindful of the power of your words -- don't use them as weapons.
Try reading about how to be a better listener.
If you answered mostly Bs: The negotiator
Congratulations! You have mastered the skillful art of negotiation -- and that's no easy feat! You're fair and rational during arguments and you can hold your own without backing down. But you're also able to see the other person's side and you know when to compromise.
You know which battles are worth fighting and which ones need to be abandoned. You've learned that confronting important issues head-on is the best way to sort out differences and you know that a sense of fairness and understanding can go a long way.
Want to go further? Learn how to lead a balanced life.
If you answered mostly Cs: The pushover
You hate conflict: Hate it! Hate it! Hate it! You would rather keep a lid on it rather than become embroiled in a heated confrontation. You choose to keep your true feelings to yourself if they might cause tension and you prefer to stay quiet, rather than rock the boat.
You can be agreeable to a fault -- saying and doing what you think others want, rather than following your own heart and mind. Remember that while this behaviour may keep the peace temporarily, long-term repercussions -- such as compromising your sense of self -- can be permanent.
Learn about how to just say no.
If you answered mostly Ds: The avoider
If you ignore it, it isn't there, right? Wrong! While this technique may work in certain aspects of your life, it's no way to regularly handle conflict. If you neglect a problem, in hopes that it'll just disappear, chances are good that it'll get bigger and bigger until it's too big for you to handle.
If you're accustomed to avoiding conflict, try changing this by asking yourself what really matters to you. It's true that you don't have to sweat the small stuff -- but tackle the issues you feel strongly about.
Try reading about our 6 strategies for successful negotiation.
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