In today’s unpredictable business environment, adaptability is key to survival and success. Navigating change effectively is crucial. One powerful tool that can help leaders manage change and enhance strategic adaptability is the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI) Conflict Model.
Let's get one thing straight - conflict is a natural part of collaboration.
It cannot (and should not) be avoided. Think of it as an accumulation of energy, which, if handled correctly, can be turned into fuel to accelerate your teams and products to a new level.
The TKI Conflict Model
The TKI Conflict Model outlines five distinct conflict-handling modes: Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Avoiding, and Accommodating. Each mode represents a different approach to conflict, balancing assertiveness and cooperativeness. Understanding when and how to use these modes can significantly enhance your ability to navigate change.
Competing: A high assertiveness and low cooperativeness approach. Leaders who compete aim to win, often at the expense of others. This mode is effective in urgent situations where quick, decisive action is required.
Collaborating: High assertiveness and high cooperativeness. Collaboration involves working together to find a solution that satisfies all parties. It’s ideal for complex issues where different perspectives can lead to a more robust outcome.
Compromising: Moderate assertiveness and cooperativeness. This mode seeks a middle ground where both parties give up something to reach an agreement. It’s useful when the goal is to achieve a temporary or expedient solution.
Avoiding: Low assertiveness and cooperativeness. Avoiding means sidestepping the conflict, which can be appropriate when the issue is trivial or when more information is needed before making a decision.
Accommodating: Low assertiveness and high cooperativeness. Accommodation involves yielding to the other party’s concerns, often to maintain harmony. It’s useful when the relationship is more important than the issue at hand.
Strategic Adaptability and the TKI Model
Strategic adaptability involves being flexible and responsive to changing circumstances. Here’s how understanding and recognising default conflict-handling modes can support strategic decision-making and change management:
Recognising Default Responses: Knowing your own and your team members’ default conflict-handling modes helps in anticipating reactions to change. This awareness allows for proactive management of potential conflicts and smoother transitions.
Tailored Approaches: Different situations may trigger different default responses. By understanding these triggers, leaders can tailor their approach to manage change more effectively. For example, a team member who typically avoids conflict might need extra support during times of significant change.
Improved Communication: When everyone understands the TKI Model, it creates a common language for discussing responses to change. This shared understanding can improve communication and facilitate more effective collaboration during transitions.
Implementing the TKI Model
To leverage the TKI Model for strategic adaptability, consider the following steps:
Educational Workshops: Host workshops to educate your team about the TKI Model. Use these sessions to discuss how different conflict-handling modes manifest during times of change.
Personal Assessments: Encourage team members to take the TKI assessment to identify their default modes. Discuss the results openly to foster a deeper understanding of each person’s natural tendencies.
Integration into Change Management: Develop a change management plan that incorporates the TKI Model. Use it to guide your approach to communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution during periods of change.
Making Conflict a Regular Practice: TKI Games and Challenges
Take the Next Step: Book a Free Discovery Call
The TKI Conflict Model is a versatile tool that can enhance your ability to navigate change and improve strategic adaptability. By mastering the understanding of conflict-handling modes, you can lead your organisation through uncertainty with confidence and agility.
If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership and drive your organisation towards greater adaptability, I invite you to book a free discovery call with me. During our call, we’ll discuss your unique challenges and explore how the TKI Conflict Model can be customized to meet your needs. Together, we can develop a strategy to handle change effectively and ensure your organization thrives in any environment.
References:
The Myers-Briggs Company - TKI® conflict resolution model
Pivotal Education Understanding the Theory: Conflict Styles
USCG 5 Types of Conflict Styles
Conflict management style
Kilmann Diagnostics
Disclaimer: The Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI) is held under trademark, copyright and owned by Kilmann Diagnostics.
Want to transform conflict into collaboration?
Schedule a free consultation to turn your team's challenges into opportunities. Just send a message 'Let's talk about conflict', and I'll do the rest.