Tense team meetings require calm and decisive action. Start by acknowledging the tension without assigning blame, such as saying, “I see this is a passionate discussion, let’s take a step back.” Encourage a moment of pause to reset emotions and refocus on the meeting’s objectives. Allow each person to express their perspective, ensuring everyone feels heard. Use neutral language to reframe the discussion and steer it toward solutions. As a leader, model composure and redirect the focus to shared goals. Summarize key points and propose actionable steps to move forward. Diffusing tension fosters collaboration and maintains a productive atmosphere.

If a meeting gets heated, it’s a sign that passion is in the room—and that’s a good thing. But as a leader, it’s on you to reel it in, refocus the energy, and channel it productively. Start by aligning everyone with the project goal or client pitch, highlighting individual strengths and how they contribute to the bigger picture. Collaboration shouldn’t be viewed negatively. If someone’s behavior crosses the line into unprofessionalism or disrupts progress, a change might be necessary—but that’s a last resort. Passion is powerful. Remind your team to use it wisely. Let passion fuel thoughtful, strategic decisions—not impulsive ones. Focus on the positives, and you’ll steer the team back on course.

1. Hit pause and take a chill break to cool things down. 2. Share a cup of coffee or tea to relax. 3. Restart fresh with positive energy and new ideas to move forward together!.

1. Acknowledge the tension: Recognize emotions in the room. 2. Listen actively: Let everyone share and reiterate key points. 3. Refocus on goals: Remind the team of shared objectives. 4. Pause if needed: Suggest a quick break to reset. 5. Use neutral language: Frame statements constructively. 6. Guide solutions: Encourage actionable, collaborative steps.

Take a moment to remind the team that, while it's good to raise issues and concerns, we must communicate in a healthy and constructive manner, and we must focus on key issues and brainstorm solutions together, for a positive outcome. When we stick together, with the same mindset, we win together as a team.

• Stay calm: Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Getting defensive or angry can make the situation worse. • Listen: Try to understand the other person's concerns and put yourself in their shoes. • Be empathetic: Respect the other person's feelings and opinions, even if you disagree. • Avoid raising your voice: Don't use harsh words or aggressive body language. Instead, use a neutral tone and maintain eye contact. • Use "I" statements: Avoid blame by using "I" statements. • Find common ground: Look for areas of agreement to create a sense of unity. • Encourage compromise: Be open to finding a solution that works for everyone.

In my time working in recruitment and consultancy, I occasionally find myself in these heated conversations Regardless of whether it’s Finance or hitting KPI‘. Sometimes it’s easier said than done trying to keep a cool or a level head especially when emotions passion and Finance are involved so with those three key points I find it best to remove the emotion and passion from the equation because in business it all comes down to the bottom line. Regardless of if it’s Finance or hitting KPI’s. Prioritising the issue on hand dissect individual issues surrounding the major issue and chip away. When presenting be clear and decisive in your delivery. Be confident in the product that you are presenting.

I've found a few strategies particularly effective for navigating these situations. 1. Active Listening & Empathy: I make it a priority to actively listen to all perspectives. Often, tension arises from the feeling of not being heard. 2. Focusing on Shared Goals: By re-centering the conversation around our mutual mission, we can often find common ground. 3. Staying Calm & Solution-Focused: I find that it’s crucial to address issues constructively by proposing solutions or asking for potential next steps. In my experience, people are more receptive to solutions. Overall, I believe that by combining empathy, clear communication, and a focus on collective goals, tense meetings can become opportunities for growth, alignment, and progress.

1. Can we take a ten-minute break? 2. Let's pinpoint the areas where we can find common ground. 3. It's important to understand that our differences in opinion are due to different perspectives, not because one side is right and the other is wrong.