Conflict Styles: Together the lecture and the book offer two suggestions about conflict styles. First, individuals (you and I among them) have preferred conflict styles (i.e., one or two styles that we typically use, regardless of the situation). Second, the "best" style to use is dependent upon the situation. Thus, in our roles as leaders we need to be aware that even though we have a tendency to use certain conflict styles, we must work to fit the style we use to the specific situation.

1. Using the styles described in your book as your framework, identify and describe the style that you tend to use most often. Give an example to help make your point.

2. Notice a conflict that occurs in your world this week. Maybe while shopping you observe a customer arguing with a sales representative; maybe you observe a parent-child conflict; maybe you observe a conflict between a supervisor and a subordinate at work. In any case, take note of the "situation" and the "styles" that are used between the actors. Consider: Was the style that the "leader" (e.g., sales representative, parent, supervisor, teacher) used appropriate for the situation? Why or why not?

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You do not need to submit anything written for these Individual Activities.  These activities are designed for you to obtain information and insight on your own personal characteristics and to provide an opportunity for you to think about how material from your readings applies in different situations.  NOTE: You may be asked to apply or discuss the information from these Individual Activities in quizzes or exams.