So here you are again: on the one hand, you have your goals and dreams, and on the other hand, you have your significant other, your friend, your relative, your boss, or your colleague. Maybe you feel mistreated by them, or maybe they are preventing you from achieving your goals and dreams in some way. Confronting them may mean losing them, and, at the same time, leaving things the way they are will not get you what you want. What do you do? This test will help you find out which conflict resolution style you tend to use the most when confronted with such a choice. Your predominant strategy is where you get the highest score.
I tend to ignore conflicts and prefer to distract myself with other things to give myself the illusion of normality.
True
False
Maybe
If I can’t force someone to do what I want, I will try to make them think like I do.
True
False
Maybe
I can force people to go out of their way for me without being rude or hostile.
True
False
Maybe
If they help me, I will help them.
True
False
Maybe
To end a conflict, I prefer to talk openly and find a solution that satisfies both sides.
True
False
Maybe
I don’t allow myself to be dragged into fights; I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
True
False
Maybe
I take what I want by intimidation and force.
True
False
Maybe
I often use flattery to get what I want.
True
False
Maybe
I always try to find a compromise.
True
False
Maybe
My opinions are not influenced by rumors and gossip.
True
False
Maybe
In conflict situations, I don’t waste my energy on fighting.
True
False
Maybe
I only win when my enemies lose.
True
False
Maybe
I end enmity by being kind.
True
False
Maybe
I always try to find a solution that satisfies everyone involved, even if this means giving up on some of my interests.
True
False
Maybe
I am interested in hearing the opinions of everyone involved.
True
False
Maybe
I avoid people who disagree with me.
True
False
Maybe
My belief in myself is the key to winning a battle.
True
False
Maybe
A little kindness goes a long way.
True
False
Maybe
Scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
True
False
Maybe
I have an open mind.
True
False
False
Arguing makes me anxious.
True
False
Maybe
If I withdraw, I do so only to come back even stronger.
True
False
Maybe
Flattery is one of my favorite interpersonal strategies.
True
False
Maybe
I use strategic gift-giving to win new allies and influence my opponents.
True
False
Maybe
I like to consult other people before making a decision.
True
False
Maybe
I resolve conflicts by avoiding them.
True
False
Maybe
I think carefully before acting.
True
False
Maybe
The desires of others come before my own.
True
False
Maybe
I am risk-averse.
True
False
Maybe
My strategy is honesty.
True
False
Maybe
Arguing exhausts me even if I win.
True
False
Maybe
When it comes to conflicts, I am either a winner or loser — there is no in-between.
True
False
Maybe
I am never hostile.
True
False
Maybe
I have no problem with giving up on some of my interests if my opponent is willing to do the same for me.
True
False
Maybe
I keep on digging until I find the truth.
True
False
Maybe
Your results will appear here.
Style I:
You tend to avoid conflict at all costs. While in some situations, this may be a wise thing to do, there are things that are worth fighting for. Your fear of confrontation and unwillingness to deal with problems may cause you to abdicate from your personal goals and, as weird as it sounds, undermine your relationships with others.
If you never confront your interpersonal problems with honesty and openness, your chances of resolving them are slim. This may lead to passive-aggressive behavior from both sides and while you may be able to avoid the confrontation itself, you will be subjecting yourself to continuous dull pain.
Style II:
You are rather aggressive and tend to use force to get your way. You aren’t too concerned about whether or not other people love you or like you, and you aren’t into compromises. Typically, you don’t settle for anything less than what you originally wanted and will fight until all your demands are satisfied.
Style III:
You value good relationships more than you value goals and dreams. You rarely find yourself in a conflict situation because you do everything to prevent it in the first place. It’s important for you to be loved and liked, and you are ready for sacrifices if necessary.
Style IV:
You equally value your interpersonal relationships and your goals. Because you aren’t ready to give up on any of the two, you use compromise as your preferred strategy. Even if your demand isn’t satisfied 100 percent, it’s still better than nothing, and you get to keep the relationship.
Style V:
Your strategy is honesty and openness. You value both relationships and goals and look for a way to work with your opponent for a solution that is honest and satisfactory for both sides. The difference between Style V and Style IV is that Style V is not willing to compromise the truth, but, at the same time, they are patient enough to keep digging until they find a better solution that can satisfy everyone involved.
Recommended product: Overcome Fear of Confrontation
Related test: Your Conflict Management Style
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