How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | Page 129

Competing
Uses
• When quick, decisive action is vital - for example, in an
emergency
• On important issues where unpopular courses of action need
implementing - for example, cost cutting, enforcing unpopular
rules, discipline
• On issues vital to company welfare when you know you're right
• To protect yourself against people who take advantage of
noncompetitive behavior
Questions to Ask
In some situations, you may wish to ask yourself:
• Do you sometimes feel powerless in situations? You may be
unaware of the power you do have, unskilled in its use, or
uncomfortable with the idea of using it. This may hinder your
effectiveness by restricting your influence.
• Do you sometimes have trouble taking a firm stand, even when
you see the need? Sometimes concerns for others' feelings or
anxieties about the use of power causes us to vacillate, which
may mean postponing the decision and adding to the suffering
and/or resentment of others.
Accommodating
Uses
• When you realize that you are wrong - to allow a better solution
to be considered, to learn from others, and to show that you are
reasonable
• When the issue is much more important to the other person than
to yourself - to satisfy the needs of others, and as a goodwill
gesture to help maintain a cooperative relationship

1007