With a competitive approach, the person in conflict takes a firm stand. They compete with the other party for power, and they typically win (unless they’re up against someone else who is competing!) This style is often seen as aggressive, and can often be the cause of other people in the conflict to feeling injured or stepped on.

This style is appropriate when:

• A decision needs to be made quickly (i.e., emergencies)
• An unpopular decision needs to be made
• Someone is trying to take advantage of a situation

This style is not appropriate when:

• People are feeling sensitive about the conflict
• The situation is not urgent