GIBB CATEGORIES ACTIVITY

Jack Gibb studied the relationship between communication and interpersonal climates. He identified communication that promotes defensive climates and those that foster supportive climates. As you can see, the left column included behaviors/comments that usually increase defensiveness in others. We need to work toward improving our communication by using the right column!

Communication Climates in Conflict Situations

Defensive Climate	Supportive Climate
Evaluation Judging another's actions as good or bad You have no discipline Your sleeping too much You shouldn't have done that You did the right thing You shouldn't feel that way This is the worst report I have ever read	Description Describing another's behavior or actions I wish you hadn't have done that You seem more sleepy lately Your running late You seem pleased with your decision You seem to be experiencing some difficulty with this report
Certainty Certain that only one opinion can be correct: mine This is the only idea that makes sense Only a fool would vote for that person There's no point in discussing it any further	Provisionalism Shuns absolutes and is open to possibilities One way to look at it is.... It is possible that... The way I tend do see the situation is... I feel strongly on this subject, but I would like to hear what you have to say.
Control Orientation This is a situation I will control Well, I like the Honda more than the Ford you want, and it's my money that's going to pay for it.	Problem Orientation This is a problem we can solve together It seems that we have really different ideas about how to spend the extra money in our department. Let's talk through what each of us wants and see whether there's a way for both of us to get what we need.
Neutrality Appearing withdrawn or detached: Whatever Like what I think really matters Move on I don't care It doesn't matter to me	Empathy Identifying with another's emotions It sound like you really feel uncomfortable with your job I don't blame you for being worried about the situation
Superiority My opinion is better than yours I know a lot more about this than you do. You just don't have my experience... Is this the best you could do? As long as you work for me...	Equality We both have opinions lets hear each other out I want to hear what you have to say about this Let's tackle this problem together
Strategy Manipulative, fake, having hidden agendas Would you do something for me if I told you it really matters? Remember when I helped you with your presentation last month? If you were my friend, you will...	Spontaneity Straightforwardness-directness and honesty I really need your help with this computer glitch. Would you help me with my presentation, I'm struggling for a topic

Approach an important person in your life and request some help in learning more about yourself. Begin by explaining all twelve of the Gibb behaviors to your significant other, a coworker, relative, friend, etc. Be sure to give enough examples so that each category is clearly understood. When your explanation is complete and you've answered all of your partner's questions, ask him or her to tell you which of the Gibb categories you use. Seek specific examples so that you are certain to understand the feedback fully.

Write a one page summary of what you learned: examples given by your partner, areas for improvement, areas you do well, how you felt as your partner was describing you, whether you agree with the evaluation, and what effect your use of the Gibb categories has on your personal and professional relationships, etc.

Wr