Quote Originally Posted by catnapper View Post
I called the former assistant manager this morning - we're having lunch together in a bit. I'm going to ask her what she thinks of me asking. I just need a bit of encouragement She'll be completely honest with me. I know she thinks I won't make a good manager because I back down so easily in order to avoid fights (BUT I'm getting MUCH better at standing my ground... though I still have a lot of work to do in that area.)
Change your attitude on this for a moment. Instead of saying that you back down from conflict, say that you back away or off from conflict. That you are a natural conflict avoider. That can be a huge benefit, really. Someone that backs down or away from conflict also could be said to stand back from conflict. That can allow you time to re-think a strategy.

I couldn't back down from conflict if I tried. It just doesn't tear me up, make me nervous, etc. I actually like conflict, as I like working through issues, not around. I am lazy, I think.