Best for: Giving students a simple structure for addressing disagreement or tension rather than avoiding it.
Teach students three moves:
Pause — Slow the conversation before reacting.
Name — Describe the issue without assigning blame.
“I think we have two different ideas about…”
“I'm noticing that…”
Navigate — Ask what the group needs next.
“What would help us move forward?”
“Can we hear both perspectives?”
“What can we agree on?”
Give students a low-stakes scenario and let them practice the protocol before they need it during an actual conflict.
Reflect:
Which part felt natural? Which part might require more practice?