Presenting Specific Observations (Subtly)
The employee tactfully describes specific behaviors or outcomes within the team (e.g., missed deadlines, reduced collaboration, quiet meetings) without explicitly naming individuals or assigning blame, focusing on the impact on overall team dynamics.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
shift
A change in something, like a team's behavior or atmosphere. Use it to describe subtle changes without sounding negative, e.g., 'a shift in mood'.
dynamic
The way people or things interact and work together in a group. In professional contexts, it refers to team energy or relationships, e.g., 'team dynamic'.
spontaneous
Something done naturally without planning, like casual teamwork. Useful for describing informal collaboration in meetings or projects.
collaboration
Working together with others to achieve a goal. Common in workplaces to highlight teamwork, e.g., 'encourage collaboration'.
hesitant
Unwilling or slow to act, often due to uncertainty. Use it to describe reluctance in speaking or participating, e.g., 'people are hesitant to share ideas'.
silos
When teams or people work separately without sharing information, like isolated groups. In business, it means lack of communication leading to problems.
synergy
The combined power of a group that is greater than individuals alone. Use it positively to talk about benefits of teamwork, e.g., 'opportunities for synergy'.
flag
To point out or mention an issue early to address it. In professional talks, it's a polite way to raise concerns, e.g., 'I wanted to flag this'.
candor
Honest and open expression without hiding feelings. Praise it in feedback, e.g., 'thanks for your candor' to appreciate straightforwardness.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Do you have a few minutes? I was hoping to chat with you briefly about something on my mind.
This is a polite way to request a short meeting. 'A few minutes' softens the request, and 'on my mind' shows it's personal but professional. Use it to start sensitive talks without pressure.
I've noticed a bit of a shift in the team dynamic lately.
Uses present perfect 'I've noticed' for recent observations. 'A bit of a shift' is a soft, indirect way to describe change. Useful for raising issues tactfully in workplaces to avoid blame.
Could you give me some examples of what you mean by...
A clarifying question using 'could' for politeness. It shows interest and seeks specifics. Great for managers to understand concerns better without defensiveness.
For instance, in our brainstorming sessions, there used to be a lot more back-and-forth.
'For instance' introduces examples. 'Used to' describes past habits now changed. 'Back-and-forth' means interactive discussion. Use this pattern to compare past and present team behaviors.
I've seen a few instances where tasks that used to be tackled collectively are now being handled in silos.
Passive voice 'being handled' focuses on actions, not people. 'Tackled collectively' means solved together. This sentence explains impacts subtly; use it to highlight workflow issues.
I appreciate you bringing this to my attention.
Expresses thanks for feedback. 'Bringing to my attention' is formal for 'pointing out'. Use it to acknowledge concerns positively and build trust in professional dialogues.
I just wanted to flag it, as a healthy and collaborative environment is crucial for our overall productivity and morale.
'Flag it' means to highlight an issue. 'As' clause explains reason. 'Crucial for' shows importance. Useful for ending concerns constructively, linking to benefits like productivity.
Thanks again for your candor.
'Thanks again' reinforces gratitude. 'Candor' means honesty. This closes conversations appreciatively. Use it after receiving open feedback to encourage future openness.