After years of reflection and writing (approximately 1,500,000 words), I’ve distilled conflict resolution into three powerful words: Caution, Object, and Stop. These actions form a structured approach to addressing micro-conflicts (spats) in teams. *This can only work if the team has agreed to use this approach.
Caution is the first step, a verbal gentle reminder when something feels off in a conversation. It’s not about blame but inviting the other person to adjust their tone or behavior before tensions rise. By cautioning early, we prevent reactions to minor infringements which can lead to escalating a spat.
When caution doesn’t work, we escalate the spat to a dispute using “Object“. Objecting requires a simple apology, offering a reset in the conversation. It’s about accountability and fostering psychological safety, ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.
Finally, if the issue is still unresolved, we use Stop. This is when intervention is needed through a Spatz team-assist review process and the Spatz AI. The dispute has now escalated to a conflict, requiring a heartfelt apology to resolve.
These three words—Caution (Spat), Object (Dispute), and Stop (Conflict)—ensure small tensions are addressed and not reacted to, before they spiral into serious psychosocial hazards. They foster accountability and create a safe environment where team members can voice their concerns without fear.
By agreeing to embrace this framework, teams move from reactive conflict management to proactive conflict prevention, ensuring our spats are resolved before they can escalate and providing a more protective environment for innovative and creative ideas.
This framework mirrors the SpatzAI three-step intervention chat app process, providing teams with tools to handle conflicts swiftly and constructively.
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