Guided Team Dialogue

Use this when there's tension, misunderstanding, or disagreement in your team that isn't getting better on its own. This exercise provides a structured, safe format for talking through conflicts without attacking or defending.

Estimated time: 60 minutes (requires all involved team members and a neutral facilitator if possible)

Set Up for Safety

5 minutes

Create the conditions for honest, respectful dialogue before you start talking about the conflict.

Instructions

Choose a neutral facilitator (someone not directly involved in the conflict) if possible
Agree on ground rules: no interruptions, no personal attacks, stay focused on the issue at hand
Acknowledge that the goal is understanding and problem-solving, not winning or proving someone wrong
Remind everyone that differences in behavioural style can cause tension—this isn't about who's "right"