In this session, we will focus on the Problem-Solving style, which is at the upper right corner of the grid. The problem-solving conflict style represents a focus on both your own interests and those of others. Problem-solving has been shown to be the most universally beneficial style in conflict handling as it is about trying to find a mutually beneficial solution for both parties simultaneously.

I bet you’ve heard about problem-solving before but people are rarely taught how to do this well. So I am going to give you new insights and tricks about this conflict handling style so that you can benefit from it in your own life.

Problem-solving involves brainstorming and coming up with creative, out-of-the-box solutions that might allow everyone’s interests to be met. People often get trapped in thinking they only have option A or B, problem-solving involves finding option C, D, E, or F. Information sharing and creativity are necessary features of this style. Both parties need to identify common ground and potential solutions that satisfy all parties.

The problem-solving conflict style can also include prioritizing. This means considering: out of all the things we care about, how we can each get the thing that’s most important to us. Problem-solving is effortful; it involves creativity, goodwill, and a lot of cognitive effort and time, to do this well. 

It’s is rarely *harmful* to use this approach, and this is an excellent area for most leaders to further develop their abilities to enhance the effectiveness and psychological safety of their team.