How You Handle Conflict Quiz
It’s a fact of life in our world today: Conflict, like taxes, is inevitable. This isn’t all bad. Naturally people are going to have differing points of view. Sometimes conflict and the resolution that comes from it, can result in a closer bond between two people or more complete understanding of a situation by a group.
Conflict may arise over small issues or major problems. And sometimes, because of the way individuals handle conflict, those small issues are transformed into Major Problems.
The bullies of the world seem to enjoy conflict, coming at it head long, they’re aggressive on the freeway, surly to service people and argumentative with co-workers. Other people avoid conflict at all costs, never speaking up for themselves, always backing down. They are the doormat everyone walks upon.
A person’s approach to conflict resolution can make life easier or tougher for them. Take a look at the following questions to find out how you respond in conflict situations. Your results may help you understand how you respond in a conflict situation. You can then use this information to approach the conflict differently in order to come to a amenable solution.
- When confronted by an angry or hostile person, I take a moment and consider my response, rather than reacting in kind or defensively.
__Always __ Often __Sometimes __Never
- When conflict occurs, I clam up and become non-communicative, quiet and passive, hoping it will dissipate.
__Always __ Often __Sometimes __Never
- I try to see my part in the situation and am willing to take responsibility for it instead of blaming others or denying any responsibility.
__Always __ Often __Sometimes __Never
- Whenever conflict rises, I get sick. The bigger the conflict, the more drastic my symptoms become.
__Always __ Often __Sometimes __Never
- During a conflict, I stay with the issue at hand rather than bringing up the past or changing the subject.
__Always __ Often __Sometimes __Never
- I’m open to exploring different options for resolution instead of insisting on having my way. I listen to what others say with an open mind.
__Always __ Often __Sometimes __Never
- I pay attention to what’s being said behind the words spoken which might have nothing to do with the issue at hand. I ask for clarification when I don’t understand something.
__Always __ Often __Sometimes __Never
- I try to avoid conflict by saying there’s no problem or that nothing’s wrong when asked. I downplay even small problems.
__Always __ Often __Sometimes __Never
- I establish boundaries during conflicts and don’t allow anyone to verbally or physically abuse me.
__Always __ Often __Sometimes __Never
- When a resolution can’t be reached by those involved, and “agreeing to disagree” isn’t an acceptable solution, I’m willing to consult with someone from neutral territory to help resolve the situation.
__Always __ Often __Sometimes __Never
Rhea M. Haugseth, DMD maintained a private practice in Marietta, GA from 1982- 2017. She attended the University of Louisville Dental School and completed her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital / Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is proud to be a Fellow the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy – National Honorary Organizations for Dentists.
Dr. Haugseth is a Past President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD), and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(GaPD). Dr. Haugseth has been a National Spokesperson for the AAPD since 1989 and has been frequently interviewed for radio, print, and national television.
Dr. Haugseth is the Founder (2013) and Director of the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School in Atlanta Georgia. She is also the Founder (2014) and Director of the Pediatric Dental Team Association. She is committed to pediatric dental team members and continues to develop ways to enhance their knowledge and skills both in and out of the dental office.