Poor Communication
This type of statement focuses on the other person’s faults, often beginning with "You always..." or "You never...
What is a "You" Statement?
This "win-win" style involves both parties working together to find a solution that fully satisfies everyone's concerns.
What is Collaborating?
A coworker constantly interrupts you in meetings. Instead of snapping, you pull them aside later to explain how it affects your participation.
What is Collaborating (or Addressing it directly)?
This gesture—crossing these in front of your chest—often signals that you are defensive or "closed off" to the conversation.
What are Your Arms?
This department is typically responsible for mediating serious disputes and ensuring company policies are followed.
What is Human Resources (HR)?
This non-verbal cue, involving looking away or at a phone, suggests you aren't paying attention to the speaker.
What is Lack of Eye Contact?
This "lose-win" style occurs when you neglect your own concerns to satisfy the concerns of the other person.
What is Accommodating?
Two team members are arguing over a project deadline. You step in as a neutral third party to help them find a solution.
What is Mediation?
In a conflict, maintaining this shows you are engaged, but overdoing it can be perceived as aggressive staring.
What is Eye Contact?
This is the practice of keeping a written record of incidents, dates, and conversations regarding a conflict.
What is Documentation?
This term describes jumping in to speak before the other person has finished their thought.
What is Interrupting?
This "win-lose" style is power-oriented; you pursue your own concerns at the other person's expense.
What is Competing?
Your boss gives you a critique that feels unfair. Instead of getting defensive, you ask for specific examples to better understand their perspective.
What is Seeking Clarification (or Active Listening)?
This non-verbal technique involves subtly mimicking the other person's posture to build rapport and de-escalate tension.
What is Mirroring?
This term refers to a neutral third party who helps two disagreeing employees reach a voluntary agreement.
What is a Mediator?
This communication "barrier" occurs when someone hears the words but is only thinking about their own rebuttal.
What is Passive Listening (or Selective Hearing)?
This "lose-lose" style involves not addressing the conflict—sidestepping the issue or withdrawing from a threatening situation.
What is Avoiding?
A deadline is looming and the team is stuck on a minor detail. You decide to give in on your preference just to keep the project moving.
What is Accommodating?
Standing with your hands on these is often viewed as a "power pose" that can come across as intimidating or aggressive.
What are Your Hips?
Most companies have this type of "Policy" that encourages employees to speak with management about concerns without fear of retaliation.
What is an Open Door Policy?
This subtle form of poor communication involves using heavy irony to mock or convey contempt, often escalating tension.
What is Sarcasm?
This "middle ground" style seeks an expedient, mutually acceptable solution that partially satisfies both parties.
What is Compromising?
You and a peer both want the lead role on a new account. You agree to split the responsibilities 50/50 so you both get experience.
What is Compromising?
This term refers to the "bubble" or physical distance between people; invading it during an argument usually escalates the conflict.
What is Personal Space?
This formal term describes a persistent pattern of mistreatment from others in the workplace that causes either physical or emotional harm.
What is Workplace Bullying (or Harassment)?