Sample commentary by MBA student on his MoDI test scores in the Conflict Management seminar.

1. My MoDI test result
Taking into account that we agreed on a margin of 2 above and under the mean score, my results of
the MoDI test show that I over-scored on two styles and under-scored on three others, while on the
other four styles my scores were within the range.
Over-use on:
o Persuade (16 / 11.6)
According to the test, it seems I only supply data supporting my views to the point of
appearing deceptive or manipulative. Though stating one’s case is the basis of a
sound negotiation, this should be done within certain limits: respect of the other
party’s ideas; understanding of their concerns; keeping a fair balance. Obviously, I
must be careful to respect these limits.
o Compromise (16 / 11.9)
Yes, I probably waste time and resources, as seen here under, on “Engage”
Under-use on:
o Engage (10 / 12.3)
I’ve discovered that I waste my time and other’s going into details. In my personal
view all the information are important during a negotiation but I came to learn that I
should not go into minor things in which I will waste my and other’s time. In a
negotiation, details must be discussed at a later stage when they often result from
the main decisions taken at the start of the negotiation. If discussed too early, details
become an obstacle to a global solution.
Accommodate (7 / 10.6)
I am surprised by this result. When I’m in a team, I do express my views but if the
other members aren’t ready to agree with me, I follow them and once my proposal is
not accepted I try to agree on another one. Eventually, I don’t get stuck on my views
if the other members are not ready to accept them. This test taught me that it
probably takes me too much time to change my mind. I really have to work these
points: listening carefully to my partners; understanding the reasons behind their
opinions; whenever possible, modifying my proposal to suit these reasons while
maintaining my main objective; and yes, accepting that their views can be better
than mine and if so, accept them.
o Collaborate (12 / 1.8)
As a result of my poor score on “Accommodate”, it is indeed possible that others find
my behavior discouraging and see me as a difficult partner. This is a destabilizing
feeling I was not aware of. It only confirms the effort I must make on my relationship
with my partners during a negotiation.
Taken as whole, this over- and under-uses show that my main problem is flexibility. I am so eager to
see my views prevail that I insist too vividly, too much, too long, before I eventually accept my
“defeat”. As a result, others see me as uncooperative which I find disappointing. Fortunately, this
fact is somewhat counter balanced by my score on Compete (10 / 10.7) showing that I am not seen
as pushing or uncaring, probably because when a common decision is taken, I respect the rules and
do my fair share of the workload.
To conclude on a more positive note, the last three styles are well within the agreed range:
Avoid (11 / 10.2), Compete (10 / 10.7) and Bargain (13 / 13.7).