Productive conflict, if you’re a direct person

In the DiSC behavioral assessment (which we use in our communications workshops), direct people have the “D” or “Dominant” communication style.

When D Styles engage in healthy conflict, they’re speaking up about problems, and addressing issues head-on.

However, when they feel unsafe, they’ll exhibit unhealthy conflict behaviors, which may look like overpowering, looking to even the score, or digging in.

If they refuse to bend or create win-lose situations you can be pretty sure they’ve crossed from healthy to unhealthy conflict.

If you’re a D Style, know that you may come across as impatient, blunt, uncaring, or rude during conflict.

To make conflict more productive, you can address your fear of being taken advantage of or being seen as weak.

Take a breath during conflict, and move to a place of empathy and mutual understanding, to temper your impatience and bluntness.