Than avoiding competing and accommodating

(Thomas/Killman, 1972 with further descriptions and analysis by Bonnie Burrell, 2001) The Competing Style is when you stress your position without considering opposing points of view.This style is highly assertive with minimal cooperativeness; the goal is to win.Overuse of the compromising style leads to loss of long-term goals, a lack of trust, creation of a cynical environment, and being viewed as having no firm values.Overuse of compromise can result in making concessions to keep people happy without resolving the original conflict.This style is low assertiveness and low cooperativeness. It is appropriate to use this style when there are issues of low importance, to reduce tensions, or to buy time.Avoidance is also appropriate when you are in a low power position and have little control over the situation, when you need to allow others to deal with the conflict, or when the problem is symptomatic of a much larger issue and you need to work on the core issue.

Overuse of the avoidance style can result in a low level of input, decision-making by default, and allowing issues to fester, which can produce a breakdown in communication between team members.When avoidance is underused a team member may deny that there is a problem and allow their hurt feelings to prevent communication.The Compromising Style is finding a middle ground or forgoing some of your concerns and committing to other's concerns.It is highly assertive and highly cooperative; the goal is to find a “win/win” solution.Appropriate uses for the collaborating style include integrating solutions, learning, merging perspectives, gaining commitment, and improving relationships.