The Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) is a well-known assessment tool that measures an individual’s behavior in conflict situations along two dimensions – assertiveness and cooperativeness.
The TKI workshop utilizes this assessment to provide insights into team members’ preferred conflict handling modes and helps build collaboration and conflict management skills.
Definitions
- Assertiveness – the extent to which someone tries to satisfy their own concerns in a conflict situation.
- Cooperativeness – the extent to which someone tries to satisfy the other person’s concerns in a conflict situation.
- Conflict modes – the different behavioral responses individuals use during conflict situations based on their levels of assertiveness and cooperativeness.
Background on TKI Workshop
The TKI workshop involves team members completing the online TKI assessment prior to the session.
The certified TKI facilitator then leads the workshop to review the team’s conflict mode results, discuss the implications, and practice using different conflict modes.
The five conflict handling modes measured by the TKI are:
- Competing (high assertiveness, low cooperativeness).
- Collaborating (high assertiveness and cooperativeness).
- Compromising (moderate assertiveness and cooperativeness).
- Avoiding (low assertiveness and cooperativeness).
- Accommodating (low assertiveness, high cooperativeness).
The TKI workshop provides insights into the team’s preferences and blind spots. It builds self-awareness, communication skills, and flexibility to use appropriate conflict handling modes.
Objectives of TKI Workshop
- Understand personal tendencies and blind spots in conflict situations.
- Recognize the value of different conflict handling modes.
- Improve ability to adopt different conflict modes as needed.
- Enhance collaboration, influence, and conflict resolution skills.
- Strengthen trust, relationships, and team cohesion.
Resources Required
- Certified TKI facilitator.
- Private room with chairs in a circle or U-shape.
- Projector and screen.
- Flipcharts or whiteboard.
- Markers.
- TKI workshop materials and handouts.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Introduction
- Facilitator welcomes the group and states workshop objectives.
- Overview of TKI and the five conflict handling modes.
2. TKI Group Report
- Facilitator presents summary of team’s TKI results.
- Discuss implications for team dynamics and performance.
3. Conflict Mode Discussion
- Facilitator leads discussion on participants’ TKI results.
- Participants share perspectives on their preferred and least used modes.
4. Conflict Scenarios
- Small groups analyze conflict scenarios and determine appropriate modes.
- Groups present their analyses.
- Facilitator highlights learnings.
5. Conflict Mode Role Plays
- Pairs practice using different conflict handling modes in role plays.
- Debrief experience and discuss flexibility in applying modes.
6. Action Planning
- Individuals reflect on insights and identify steps to broaden conflict skills.
- Facilitator summarizes key learnings and next steps.
Conclusion
The TKI workshop is an impactful team development tool that builds critical conflict management skills.
By understanding preferences, increasing flexibility, and practicing different conflict modes, teams can collaborate more effectively to drive better results.
TKI workshops require proper facilitation but lead to improved trust, communication, and performance.
