The Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) is a well-known assessment tool that measures an individual’s behavior in conflict situations in two dimensions: assertiveness and cooperativeness.
The TKI workshop utilizes this assessment to provide insights into team members’ preferred conflict-handling modes and help build collaboration and conflict-management skills.
Definitions
- Assertiveness – the extent to which someone tries to satisfy their 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 before 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 also builds self-awareness, communication skills, and flexibility in using appropriate conflict-handling modes.
Objectives of the 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
- The facilitator welcomes the group and states the workshop objectives.
- Overview of TKI and the five conflict-handling modes.
2. TKI Group Report
- The facilitator presents a summary of the team’s TKI results.
- Discuss implications for team dynamics and performance.
3. Conflict Mode Discussion
- The facilitator leads the 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.
- The 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.
- The facilitator summarizes critical learnings and the next steps.
Conclusion
The TKI workshop is an impactful team development tool that builds critical conflict management skills.
By understanding preferences and potential failures, 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.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
