This story is part of the SBS health and well-being initiative, Mind Your Health. Click here to visit the portal, featuring digital stories, podcasts and videos in English and multiple languages.
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This lesson suits upper-intermediate to advanced learners. After listening, scroll down and test your knowledge with our quiz.
Lesson language objective: Understand phrases used to resolve workplace conflict
Phrases to use when trying to resolve workplace conflict:
- I’d like us to talk even though we might not solve everything at once.
- I hear what’s important to you, but if you could look at it from my perspective.
- I’m sure there will be some things we can agree on.
- Let’s take a break and talk again once we’ve cooled down a bit.
- Help me understand where you’re coming from.
- I understand your point, but I see things a little differently.
Colloquial expressions:
If someone steps on your turf, they are getting involved in work that is yours, but not in a way that you like!
If two people are at each other's throats, they are angry and arguing and fighting.
If something is getting out of hand, it means it is becoming difficult to control, and you are experiencing negative emotions.
To cool down a bit means to become less angry.
Vocabulary:
Conflict – a serious disagreement or argument
Resolution – the fact that is resolved or the action of solving the problem
Upset – feeling angry, sad, disappointed or worried
Perspective – a point of view or a particular way of looking at something
Lack of communication – very few or very poor ways of communicating
Lack of collaboration – refers to the absence of teamwork and joint effort
Compromise – an agreement or settlement of a difference of opinion in which each side loses something
Toxic environment – a place or behaviour that causes harm to your health, happiness or well-being
Bullying – regular behaviour that hurts or frightens people mentally or physically
Discrimination – treating people differently because they are different, especially because of their ethnicity, age, sex, or disability
Harassment – aggressive pressure or intimidation
Cultural information:
Australian employers have a legal obligation to ensure employees can work comfortably in a safe and secure environment – free of bullying, discrimination, and harassment. If you are experiencing discrimination due to your disability, sex, age or race, you can make a complaint, free of charge, to the Australia Human Rights Commission.
Mind Your Health is an SBS content initiative launching on October 10, Mental Health Day. The website will help you with your health and well-being in English and a number of other languages. We'll also provide clinical information on where people can seek mental health support.
