In a recent article in Psychology Today, author Lauren Florko gives practical advice on how to use a problem-solving mindset to respond to workplace conflict. The first step is knowing who you are and how you react to stress. Do you have a fight, fright, or freeze response? And how does that differ from your usual communication style? For example, if you’re usually direct in how you communicate, in times of stress or conflict, do you retreat from your style and become indirect? This may be a fright or freeze response. Or do you cross the lines of direct and become curt or blunt? This may be a fight response. Knowing yourself is the key. If you understand your instincts, you can better assess whether they’re leading you to the right way to approach the situation.