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HANDLING-AGGRESSION-EMOTION5 MIN READ

The Two-Axis Conflict Map

Choose a conflict response by balancing assertiveness and cooperativeness.

The Thomas-Kilmann model gives you two dials: assertiveness for your concern and cooperativeness for the other person’s concern. Aggression often tempts people into competing or avoiding; the map helps you pick deliberately. Five moves, not one personality Competing, accommodating, avoiding, collaborating, and compromising are situational moves. A manager who always competes burns trust; a manager who always accommodates teaches escalation. The skill is matching the mode to stakes, time, and relationship. Aggression changes the entry move When delivery is aggressive, you may briefly compete on the norm: "I will discuss the date, not insults." Then you can collaborate on interests:…

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