Two participants arguing heatedly, voices raised
Open Conflict Erupts
Two people are arguing and the volume has climbed, and everyone else in the room has gone very still. Heat like this usually means something real is at stake, not that anyone is behaving badly. Step in early, slow the pace down, and point both of them at the problem instead of at each other.
Strong feelings here - let's pause. [Name], say what you're concerned about. [Name], tell me what you heard. Let's aim at the problem, not each other.
- 01Step in early - call a break if the temperature needs a reset
- 02Use neutral language: "disagreement", not "fight"
- 03Slow the pace with clarifying questions
- 04Move from "who's right" to "what are we solving together"
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