Conflict Resolution Lab Report # 6

A lovely learning experience was had by four local conflict resolution practitioners on September 22, 2026 and we want to share some of the learning with you.

Lab Date: Thursday September 22, 2026
Center Workbench Topic - Conflict Styles for the Mediator
Participants: 4 participants; mediators, coaches, consultants, psychologists
Facilitator: The workbench was led by NMC's Mark Batson Baril

Next Lab: October 22, 2026 – 4-6 PM at the NMC office in Reno, NV.  https://www.mediatenmc.org/events

NMC Lab Report #6 — Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Modes

Lab #6 put the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Modes (TKI) to work. Four mediators—and one therapy dog, Mike—joined Mark Batson Baril to explore how our own go-to conflict styles shape the way we respond to conflict and the way we practice. Using the TKI framework of Competing, Collaborating, Compromising, Avoiding, and Accommodating, we looked first at ourselves: What mode do we naturally reach for? How does that affect others at home and at work? And, importantly, how might those same instincts show up when we're sitting in the mediator's chair?

The conversation then moved from self-awareness to practice. What happens when a strong Competitor is taking most of the power in the room while a less assertive Accommodator simply gives in? Is an agreement still a good outcome if one person never really negotiated? And what conflict mode does the mediator need to access to change that dynamic? We explored the idea that effective neutrality doesn't mean passivity. Sometimes good mediation requires us to move outside our own preferred conflict style—becoming more assertive, slowing things down, asking harder questions, or creating more space for one party—so that both people have a genuine opportunity to participate in a solid negotiation.

What We’d Do Differently Next Lab
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