Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) Practice Exam

Which mode in the Thomas/Kilmann model seeks to find a middle ground among all participants?

1. Competing

2. Compromising

3. Collaborating

4. Accommodating

The correct answer is: Compromising

The mode that seeks to find a middle ground among all participants in the Thomas/Kilmann model is compromising. This approach emphasizes making concessions and achieving a solution that partially satisfies all parties involved. Compromising is particularly useful in situations where there are opposing views and a quick resolution is needed. The emphasis is on balancing the interests of different parties, ensuring that everyone gets something of what they want, rather than one party winning completely at the expense of another. This mode is often seen as a practical problem-solving strategy in conflict resolution. In contrast, other modes such as competing focus on achieving one's own goals without consideration for the other party's needs. Collaborating aims for a win-win situation where all participants work together towards a solution that fully satisfies everyone's concerns, which often takes more time and effort to achieve. Accommodating is where one party yields to the other's preferences, prioritizing their needs over one’s own. Each mode has its place, but compromising specifically targets mutual agreement and shared satisfaction.