Several of Fred's coworkers have complained that Fred keeps wasting their time by dropping by their offices and engaging them in "conversations" (actually Fred does most of the talking) about various things (usually not work-related). It is difficult to interrupt one of Fred's stories, and he usually takes vaguely polite hints that "the conversation is over" as an expression of interest in what he is saying. ("Well, Fred, that's great. Let me know how that new bowling ball works out.""Yeah, I've already bowled a couple of games with it. I went Sunday afternoon. You should see all the professional people who go bowling on Sundays. I met this one guy...etc."). Even you endure these interruptions from time to time.

Fred's work is generally good in quality and adequate in quantity. He puts in a full workday but doesn't work as many hours per week as some of the others in the department.

As Fred's manager, identify three conflict strategies or techniques that you could use to modify Fred's behavior. Identify, explain, and apply the strategies or techniques to the situation. Use examples. Also, as the manager in this situation, which method would you use and why?