Conflict occurs in every organization, requiring managers to develop methods and techniques for de-escalating the conflict and finding acceptable resolutions. These are the conflict strategies used frequently.

-Collaborating Reflects a desire to give both parties what they want -Compromising Each side sacrifices something to end the conflict -Competing Pursuing ones own interest at the expense of the other party -Accommodating A cooperative conflict management style -Avoiding Ignoring the conflict or denying it exists

Friedrich Glasl developed a nine-stage model that illustrates how conflict escalates.

Level 1: Win-Win

Stage 1: Tension

First tensions are noticeable and become conscious, different opinions collide, the fronts can harden and cramp. The situation is still harmless, differences of opinion are commonplace and can be resolved through discussion. No camp or party formation yet.

Stage 2: Debate

The disagreement becomes more fundamental, the opponents try to convince the other through rational arguments and put under pressure. Everybody insists on his point of view, uncompromising black-and-white thinking and verbal violence.

Stage 3: Actions instead of words!

The pressure on the conflict partner is increased, talking no longer helps, actions are necessary! The verbal communication steps into the background, possible conversations are frustrated and broken off without result. The opponent is confronted with accomplished facts. The empathy for each other gives way to distrust and negative expectations, which intensifies the conflict even more.

Level 2: Lose-Win

Stage 4: Coalitions

The first stage, where there can only be one winner left. The opponents search for supporters and allies, parties are formed and maneuvered against each other. Image campaigns are released and bad rumors about the other party are spread. It is no longer about the original thing, but about winning the conflict.

Stage 5: Loss of face

The mutual attacks will begin directly and personally, immoral blows below the belt. Wherever you can, you want to expose your opponent. The loss of morality and mutual trust goes hand in hand with the loss of face. The sight of the opponent alone creates negative feelings, even disgust.

Stage 6: Threat Strategies

Through threats and counter threats, the conflict parties try to win the upper water. A demand is intensified with a punishment and supported with the proof of the punishment possibility (Example: A kidnapper demands money and threatens with the murder of the daughter, as proof he sends a video message that he actually has her in his power). The more credible the possibility of punishment, the more effective the threat and the sooner the demand will be met. This is about who has more power and can enforce the worst punishments. The disgusting threats on both sides gape like scissors, the conflict continues to get worse and worse.

Level 3: Lose-lose

Stage 7: Limited destruction

The first stage, where ones own damage is accepted if only the others damage is greater. Humanity is over now, all tricks are used to harm the opponent. The opponent is no longer perceived as a human being, but as a thing without feelings. Values and virtues take a back seat.

Stage 8: Total annhiliation

The ultimate goal is the collapse of the enemy system. The front fighters are cut off from their allies and supplies, vital functions are attacked to the point of physical-material, mental-social or spiritual destruction.

Stage 9: Together into the abyss

There is no going back, there is a total confrontation between the two parties. If you can drag your opponent into the abyss with you, then you jump. Self-destruction is accepted. Damage to the environment or to descendants no longer prevents the opponents from destroying each other.

Question: Please describe a current conflict you are experiencing with a coworker, friend, or family member. Which of the Glasl's conflict stages are you in? What can you do to keep the conflict from escalating to the next level? Which of the conflict strategies would be most applicable, and why? Minimum of 300 words.