That is a great question! Let me give you my personal opinion on the conflict resolution techniques:
None of the conflict resolution technique is a lose-lose technique. To me, any conflict resolution technique, that ends up resolving the conflict, cannot be a lose-lose technique. Lose-lose will be the situation if the conflict is not addressed and not resolved.
Many people believe that confronting is the best conflict resolution technique. Theoretically this seems to be true, but practically one needs to choose the best technique for the situation. For example, in some situations it would be better to withdraw rather than confront a situation. Imagine one of my colleagues is having a really bad day and has just received a real hard time from his manager. If this colleague starts an argument with me today, I would rather withdraw from the conflict rather than trying to confront. Perhaps, I would try to confront the problem the very next day. Or maybe he’ll be back to normal the very next day. What do you think?
According to PMBOK, “each one (of the techniques) has its place and use”.
Do let me know what do you think.
Regards,
Khurram Hussain, PMP, CSSBB