Initiating the Conversation (Setting the Stage)
The employee requests a private meeting with their manager and begins by stating a general desire to discuss team performance or recent observations, rather than immediately launching into specific complaints.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
spare
To 'spare' time means to have some extra time available for something else, like a meeting. Use it when asking if someone is free, e.g., 'Can you spare a minute?'
touch base
This is an idiom meaning to briefly connect or discuss something with someone. It's common in professional settings to check in without going into deep details.
observations
Things you notice or see happening around you. In work, use it to politely share what you've seen, like 'Based on my observations...' to sound professional.
dynamics
The way people or things interact and work together in a group, like team dynamics. It's useful for talking about relationships or atmosphere in a team.
feedback
Opinions or comments given about performance or ideas. Always welcome it positively in professional talks, e.g., 'I'd appreciate your feedback.'
coordinating
Working together smoothly on tasks. Use it when discussing teamwork, e.g., 'We need better coordinating on this project.'
communication gaps
Small problems or misunderstandings caused by lack of clear talking. It's a polite way to point out issues without blaming anyone.
lay it on me
An informal expression meaning 'tell me everything' or 'go ahead and share.' Use it casually with colleagues to encourage open talk.
dig into
To examine or discuss something in more detail. Common in business for investigating issues, e.g., 'Let's dig into the problem.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Do you have a few minutes to chat sometime today or tomorrow?
This is a polite way to request a short meeting. It's useful for initiating professional discussions without pressure. Note the use of 'a few minutes' to suggest it's not long, and 'sometime' for flexibility.
I'd like to discuss a few things regarding the team's ongoing projects.
Use this to set the topic gently before diving in. 'Regarding' means 'about,' and 'ongoing projects' specifies the area. It's professional and avoids sounding like a complaint right away.
I just wanted to touch base on some observations I've made lately about team workflow and overall dynamics.
This sentence introduces concerns indirectly. 'Touch base' is an idiom for a quick check-in, 'lately' means recently, and it uses 'observations' to keep it factual and neutral. Great for sensitive talks.
I'm always keen to hear feedback, especially when it comes to how the team is operating.
A positive response encouraging input. 'Keen to' means eager, and 'when it comes to' introduces the topic. Use this as a manager to show openness; it builds trust in conversations.
I've noticed a bit of a shift in how some of the team members are coordinating, or perhaps, not coordinating, on shared tasks.
This describes a problem softly with 'a bit of a shift' (a small change) and 'perhaps' for caution. The gerund 'coordinating' shows ongoing action. Useful for voicing concerns without accusing.
Can you give me a slightly more specific example, without naming names perhaps?
Asks for details politely while respecting privacy. 'Slightly more specific' softens the request, and 'without naming names' avoids blame. Good for clarifying in professional feedback sessions.
Let's dig into this a bit more.
Suggests deeper discussion. 'Dig into' is an idiom for investigating, and 'a bit more' keeps it light. Use it to move a conversation forward constructively after hearing an issue.