People have different interests, needs, preferences, inclinations, character traits, personalities—and conflicts arise from these differences. By analysing the parties involved in a conflict, you can assess them better and respond more effectively. Friedrich Glasl’s conflict escalation model divides conflicts into 9 escalation stages and 3 levels (win-win, win-lose, lose-lose).
Conflicts accompany us—at work and in our private lives. Whether it is trouble with your boss, your partner, the tax office, your phone provider, or anyone else: some kind of disagreement usually turns up sooner or later. This makes it all the more important to take a closer look and analyse the mechanisms of conflict.
Because this helps you recognise conflicts in good time, perhaps even prevent them in advance, or at least be prepared so that you can respond appropriately. And this is exactly where Friedrich Glasl’s conflict escalation model enters the ring. Glasl originally developed the model to describe tensions between states. However, it can be applied to all kinds of conflicts—for example, tensions between partners, friends, or colleagues.
Conflicts: win-win, win-lose, or lose-lose?
win-win
1. Hardening: Tensions, clashing opinions.
→ Facilitation: A facilitator tries to mediate in terms of content or process.
2. Debate: Differences of opinion lead to arguments, black-and-white thinking.
→ Facilitation: A facilitator tries to mediate in terms of content or process.
3. Actions instead of words: Increased pressure, no more verbal communication, the conflict intensifies.
→ Facilitation / process support
win-lose
4. Coalitions: It is no longer about the issue, but about winning; supporters are sought.
→ Process support: Established roles or relationships are loosened by a trained facilitator.
5. Loss of face: The opponent is to be “destroyed” through insinuations or similar tactics.
→ Process support/mediation: A mediator recognised by both sides helps develop a compromise.
6. Threat strategies: Attempts are made to control the situation completely. It is about power.
→ Process support/mediation/arbitration
lose-lose
7. Limited destruction: The opponent is to be seriously harmed using every trick in the book.
→ Arbitration: A “judge” resolves the problem; the solution is accepted.
8. Fragmentation: The opponent’s support system is to be destroyed through acts of destruction.
→ Arbitration: A “judge” resolves the problem; the solution is accepted.
9. Together into the abyss: One’s own destruction is accepted.
→ Power intervention: Someone with the appropriate “power” implements measures against the will of the parties to the conflict.
At a glance
- People have different interests, needs, preferences, inclinations, character traits, personalities—and conflicts arise from these differences.
- By analysing the parties involved in a conflict, you can assess conflicts better and respond more effectively.
- Friedrich Glasl’s conflict escalation model divides conflicts into 9 escalation stages and 3 levels (win-win, win-lose, lose-lose).
Train your communication skills!
Be mindful of which escalation stage you are at…
…because different character traits can quickly lead to conflicts that may escalate. Do not let it escalate—analyse the other person beforehand.
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