How to say it
In this section, you’ll find a collection of the phrases and expressions used in the extracts on the previous pages (pp. 6–11). The numbers (1–11) after each of the phrases refer to the extract it was taken from.
Motivating the team
This is a chance for a fresh start as a team. [1]
I’m convinced we can work well to gether in this team. [2]
Together, we are a pool of valuable expertise, experience and personalities. [6]
Showing recognition
I want to thank you for your hard work. [2]
Dealing with conflict
I think it would be helpful if… [2] Let’s take a few minutes to review your performance. [3]
This kind of behaviour can have a disruptive effect on the team dynamics. [3]
How could you become an even more valuable team member? [3]
Talking about working styles
Collaboration is not my strong suit. [3]
I’m concerned tasks will take longer if we have to work closely together. [3]
I think that working independently is more efficient. [3] There are times when we can work in isolation. [8]
I don’t enjoy working in isolation. [8]
Getting to know each other
Our priority will be to get to know each other better. [1]
Let’s go round the table and introduce ourselves. [4]
I think it would be useful to remind ourselves of our individual roles and strengths. [4]
What do you bring to the team? [4] Tell us a bit more about your specific expertise and responsibilities. [4]
Talking about roles
I handle the requests on a day-to-day basis. [5]
I’m responsible for ensuring the daily updates are correct. [5]
Can we go through the specific tasks that I will be responsible for? [5] Can you handle the coordination? [8]
Getting everyone involved
Let’s hear from the other team members. [5]
Who’s next? [5] ]
I think we all have something to contribute. [6]
Who wants to start? [6]
I feel this should be up to the group. [9]
How does that sound to everyone? [11]
I’d like to hear other ideas before we decide. [11]
Everyone should get a chance to express their preferences. [11]
We’ll take a vote. [11]
Asking for input
Let me know if you have any preferences! [1]
What do you hope to get out of working on this team? [2]
Why is that? [3]
How do we all feel about the team? [6] How do you like to communicate and collaborate? [7]
Discussing problems
What’s not working? [6]
What’s working? [6]
What are our strengths and weaknesses? [6]
Confirming agreements
Do we all agree that blaming and criticizing others in the team is unacceptable? [8]
Do we value a supportive collaborative culture? [8]
Setting up effective processes
How would you like us all to work together in the future? [7]
What support would be useful for you to fulfil your role? [7] Who will attend the core meetings? [9]
How often should the whole team meet up? [9]
How do we decide on the agendas? [9]
Who will write the minutes, sign off on them and circulate them? [9]
Agreeing on a code of conduct
Is everyone happy with an email ban at the weekend? [10]
We agree to respond to emails within 24 hours during normal working hours. [10]
We agree that we will all come prepared to every meeting and actively participate. [10]
We will keep everyone informed of our individual progress. [10]
We will be punctual. [10]
We will share information and best practice. [10]
Expressing concerns
If we’re not in the core meetings, we miss out on the decisions. I would feel disconnected. [9]
While I think it’s important everyone should have a chance to express their views, too many meetings are unproductive. [9]
Building trust and relationships
Tell us about a quality that your colleagues have that you can rely on. [6] Could you tell us a positive experience about working together? [7] Who and what made it so good? [7]