Withdraw / Avoid is a conflict resolution technique where one or more parties choose to postpone or sidestep the conflict. The issue is not addressed, and no resolution is sought. This approach is often considered a “lose-lose” scenario because the underlying problem remains unsolved, which can lead to future issues.
Key Aspects of Withdrawing
- Lose-Lose Outcome – The conflict is not resolved, so no party achieves their objective.
- Temporary Solution – It is a short-term tactic used to delay a confrontation, not a permanent solution.
- Unassertive and Uncooperative – The individual does not pursue their own concerns or those of the other person.
- Strategic Postponement – It can be used strategically to allow for a “cool-down” period or to gather more information before addressing the issue.
- Can Signal Indifference – Overuse of this technique can make a leader appear indifferent or indecisive.
The Conflict Resolution Spectrum
| Technique | Alternate Name | Outcome | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collaborate / Problem Solve | Confronting | Win-Win | Parties work together to find a creative, optimal solution that fully satisfies everyone. |
| Compromise / Reconcile | Negotiating | Lose-Lose | Each party makes a sacrifice to find an acceptable middle ground. |
| Smooth / Accommodate | Appeasement | Lose-Win | One party yields to the other to maintain harmony and the relationship. |
| Force / Direct | Competing | Win-Lose | One party imposes their solution on the others, often using formal authority. |
| Withdraw / Avoid | - | Lose-Lose | The conflict is ignored, postponed, or sidestepped, leading to no resolution. |
Example Scenarios
Trivial Issue
Two team members begin a debate over the exact shade of blue to be used for a button in an internal admin tool. The project manager sees this as a trivial issue and uses an avoiding tactic by saying, “Let’s stick with the default for now and move on to the next task.”
Cool-Down Period
During a project review, a discussion between two stakeholders becomes heated and emotional. The project manager withdraws from the topic by calling for a 15-minute break to allow everyone to cool down before reconvening.
Gathering More Information
A team is deadlocked on a technical decision, and the project manager realizes no one has enough data to make an informed choice. They avoid making an immediate decision and instead assign an action item to research the options, postponing the conflict until the next meeting.
Why This Technique Matters
- Effective for Trivial Issues – It saves the team’s time and energy by not getting bogged down in minor disagreements.
- Provides Time for De-escalation – It is a powerful tool to defuse tense, emotional situations and prevent people from saying things they might regret.
- Allows for Better Preparation – Postponing a decision allows the team to gather the necessary data to have a more productive, fact-based discussion later.
- Dangerous if Overused – If a leader consistently avoids important conflicts, it can create a culture of unresolved issues, frustration, and resentment.
See also: Conflict Management Strategy, Situational Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Decision Making.