• Clear the air 🌬️
  Definition: To dispel tension or bad feelings
  Example: Let’s clear the air before starting the meeting.
• Bury the hatchet ⛏️
  Definition: To make peace or settle differences
  Example: They decided to bury the hatchet and work together.
• Be on thin ice ⛸️
  Definition: To be in a risky or precarious situation
  Example: He’s on thin ice after that argument with the boss.
• Throw in the towel 🤲
  Definition: To give up
  Example: He almost threw in the towel, but then decided to stick it out.
• Break the ice ❄️
  Definition: To relieve tension or awkwardness
  Example: We did a team-building exercise to break the ice.

• Smooth things over 🌊
  Definition: To try to resolve conflicts or restore good relations
  Example: After the heated argument, Sarah tried to smooth things over by apologising for her part in the misunderstanding.
• Sweep something under the rug 🧹
  Definition: To ignore or hide a problem instead of facing it
  Example: We can’t just sweep this issue under the rug; we need to address it directly.
• Meet halfway 🤝
  Definition: To compromise with someone by giving up part of what you want
  Example: To resolve the dispute, both parties agreed to meet halfway.
• Add fuel to the fire 🔥
  Definition: To worsen an already bad situation by saying or doing something
  Example: Talking about past issues in the middle of a conflict usually adds fuel to the fire.
• Call a spade a spade ♠️
  Definition: To speak honestly and directly about a situation, even if it’s awkward or unpleasant
  Example: If we’re going to resolve this conflict, we need to call a spade a spade and address the issues head-on.

• Hash out 🗨️ Definition: To discuss something thoroughly
  Example: We need to hash out the details of this project.
• Clear up ☀️ Definition: To resolve or clarify
  Example: I’m glad we cleared up that misunderstanding.
• Patch up 🩹 Definition: To mend or resolve
  Example: They managed to patch up their differences.
• Stand down 🛑 Definition: To withdraw or disengage
  Example: She decided to stand down as the CEO
• Speak up 📣 Definition: To voice one’s opinion
  Example: If you disagree, you should speak up.

Round 1 – Let’s Warm Up

1. Have you ever experienced a conflict within a team? How did it start? (Useful Words: disagreement, miscommunication, tension)
2. What are some common reasons for conflicts among team members? (Useful Words: misunderstanding, expectations, roles)
3. How do you usually feel when a conflict arises in a team setting? (Useful Words: frustrated, anxious, defensive)

Round 2: Let’s Explore it!

1. In your opinion, what is the best way to approach a team member when you notice a conflict developing? (Useful Words: address, assertive, mediate)
2. Can you share a time when resolving a conflict led to better collaboration within a team? (Useful Words: compromise, resolution, cooperation)
3. How can understanding different perspectives help in resolving team conflicts? (Useful Words: empathy, perspective, reconciliation)

Round 3: Ready to Get Personal?

Tell your partner about a professional conflict you can remember. Include the answers to all of the following questions:

• how did it originate?
• who was involved?
• how was it managed?
• what is your opinion of the way it was managed?
• what was your role in it?
• is there anything you would have done differently should the same situation take place now?
• what happened after the conflict?