Checklist

Early Conflict Detection & Response Checklist

Interactive checklist and observation form to detect signs of interpersonal friction, triage consistently, run a brief restorative conversation, record agreed actions, and track follow-up. Designed for team leads, peer responders, and people partners.

Interactive Tool

Early Conflict Detection & Response Checklist

Why use this checklist

Small interpersonal issues often grow when they go unobserved. Use this form to capture factual observations, take consistent triage steps, run a brief restorative conversation when appropriate, and record follow-up so problems are resolved before they escalate.

Quick leader/peer actions

  • Privately check in with people involved.
  • Document observable facts and dates (avoid interpretation as fact).
  • Clarify expectations and next steps.
  • Temporarily adjust work when needed to reduce risk.
  • Schedule a short restorative conversation or mediation if required.

Short restorative conversation script (5–10 minutes)

Open: “I noticed [signal]. Can you tell me what’s going on from your perspective?”

Listen: Ask curious questions, reflect back what you heard.

State impact: “When [behavior], it affects [team/work/relationship] by [impact].”

Request & agree: “What would you like to happen? Here’s what I propose…”

Confirm next steps, timeline, and follow-up date.

When to engage HR/mediation

Escalate if there’s risk to safety, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, legal/regulatory issues, ongoing patterns after attempted resolution, or when a neutral mediator is needed.

Who is recording this observation?
Use YYYY-MM-DD
Team name or project context
Check all that apply
Estimate urgency to address this issue.
1.0 10.0
If yes, escalate immediately.
Select actions you took or will take
A short private conversation often resolves early issues.
Capture commitments, tone, and agreed steps (brief).
Who will do what, by when, and how progress will be checked.
YYYY-MM-DD
If yes, include case reference or next steps in notes.
E.g., links to messages, screenshots, meeting notes (store securely).
Avoid recording sensitive health or unrelated personal data.
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