Communicating Problems:
Interpreting Styles

Building on Experience

What is My Style?
Awareness of how you approach difficult situations can help you to effectively communicate your professional practice problem. Take a few minutes to consider how you are dealing with the problem you face at work.

What approach do you use?

1. You just wish it would go away.
2. You want someone else to deal with the problem; you'll go along with the solution even if you don't agree with it.
3. You are prepared to take the bull by the horns and resolve the problem.
4. You are prepared to negotiate the solution.
5. You want to get others involved in coming up with a solution that will be good for all.

Styles of Communication
Communication researchers have shown that individuals approach difficult interpersonal situations using one of five styles of communication:

1. avoidance of the problem; "bury the head in the sand".
   
2. accommodation of a problem; "one's values are abandoned".
   
3. competition to solve the problem; "my way or the highway".
4. compromise to resolve the problem; "knowing you have settled for less".
   
5. collaboration to resolve the problem; "a win-win solution" is achieved.