Conflict Conversation Prep Worksheet

Plan a calm, specific conversation with a coworker in ten minutes: the issue, what you saw, what you want and how to open.

Who it is for

• Anyone at work who has a problem with a coworker and wants to raise it fairly.

• Shift leads and supervisors who need to address a problem with a peer.

• Managers who want to coach an employee to solve a coworker problem directly.

• Small-business owners, HR and training staff who want a simple, consistent way for staff to handle everyday conflict.

The problem it solves

Small problems between coworkers grow when no one says anything, or when someone finally speaks up in the wrong moment with the wrong words. This worksheet covers seven parts so you go in with one clear issue, specific examples instead of accusations, a clear request and an opening line that invites the other person's view.

What is inside

• How to use this worksheet (page 1; 1 page)

• Copyright and License (page 2; 1 page)

• Guide: planning the conversation (pages 3 to 7; 5 pages)

• Worksheet (page 8; 1 page)

• Example: a retail closing shift (page 9; 1 page)

• Example: an office meeting, and after the conversation (page 10; 1 page)

• Editable Word version of everything above (11 pages)

How to use it

1. Read the guide once, and check whether the problem is one to raise yourself or one for a manager or HR.

2. Fill in the worksheet when you are calm, not right after the problem happens.

3. Choose a private, unhurried time and place, and talk rather than type.

4. Agree on a next step and a check-in date, and use the guide if the conversation does not go well.

Formats and file types

• Printable PDF (10 pages), US Letter.

• Editable Word file (.docx, 11 pages) with the worksheet as a table you can type into and save.

Frequently asked questions