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Your guide to using the Teamangle Conversation Cards

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Whether you’re experiencing friction with a team—or even an organization—there are likely underlying issues with your communication, collaboration, or culture. This deck is designed to help you facilitate conversations on topics that will help you uncover issues, discuss them openly, and produce solutions that fit your culture.

How to use the deck

You can use the Teamangle Conversation Cards in a couple of ways. We designed the cards to provide a framework for important conversations–in a group or 1:1 setting–to uncover challenges and misalignment, dig into team sentiment, and generate practical solutions to underlying challenges that often go unaddressed.

Choose your own adventure! Use the cards as a reference or to have a structured conversation as an activity–in-person or remotely. Our suggestions for how to use the cards in all scenarios are below. We’re also including some important information and tips to ensure you’re creating the environment for your team to have these conversations healthily, account for diverse perspectives, and produce positive results. 

Reach out if you have any questions. We plan to add to this page as the product evolves and (spoiler alert!) we make add-on packs.

Ground rules

Directness and honesty rule supreme. Your goal is to have a conversation to uncover and discuss issues that are impacting everyone. Use the Question, Response, and Conversation cards to survey for opinions, zero in on issues, and gain context. Remember, not all experiences are shared. Listen with empathy and drive the conversation toward solutions and positive outcomes.

Team Conversation (In-Person)

1. Selecting a Question CardThe facilitator will select one Question Card. You may pre-select cards based on the team’s previous work or insights, especially if you’ve done the Teamangle Diagnostic. Alternatively, you might want to focus on a specific category and choose a card. This process is flexible to your team’s needs—select a card in a way that works best for your situation.
2. Reading the QuestionThe facilitator reads the question on the card aloud to the group.
3. Responding to the QuestionEach team member responds using a Response Card, or by going around the group and stating their response—either “yes,” “no,” or “maybe.” (Note: Some teams may elect to remove the “maybe” card to clear up any confusion or ambiguity in the conversation. Use your judgment!)
4. Surveying Results and Selecting a Conversation CardThe facilitator surveys the group’s responses and selects a Conversation Card to delve deeper into the topic.
5. Facilitating the ConversationThe facilitator reads the Conversation Card aloud and turns the discussion over to the team. Either let someone volunteer to start, or choose a participant to kick off the conversation.
   • Reacting to a point: Participants can raise their hand with a finger pointed to add to the current discussion.
   • Starting a new point: Raise your hand with an open palm when ready to introduce a new idea or perspective.
6. Moderating and Driving SolutionsDuring the discussion, ensure that all opinions are heard and considered. You can moderate by implementing the hand-raising system to keep the conversation organized. Keep the team focused on driving toward solutions, next steps, and action items. Taking notes is recommended to document key points and follow-ups.
7. Assigning Tasks and Next StepsAt the end of the conversation, make sure to allocate time to assign tasks and action items. Be clear about next steps and who is responsible for each task. This follow-up will ensure continuity after the session.

Continuing the DiscussionWant to keep the conversation going? You can draw another Conversation Card or return to a new Question Card to start a fresh discussion.

Team Conversation (Online Meeting)

1. Selecting a Question CardThe facilitator will select one Question Card. You can pre-select cards based on the team’s previous work or feedback, especially if you’ve completed the Teamangle Diagnostic. Alternatively, you can choose a card from a category relevant to the current conversation. This process is flexible to your team’s needs and journey.
2. Sharing the QuestionThe facilitator shares the selected Question Card by screen sharing or typing the question into the chat. Allow a moment for team members to read and reflect on the question.
3. Responding to the QuestionEach team member can respond using a poll, chat, or by verbally stating “yes,” “no,” or “maybe.” If using a poll feature (like in Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet), set up quick response options to gather input easily.
4. Survey Results and Select a Conversation CardThe facilitator will review the team’s responses and select a Conversation Card. Share this card on-screen or in the chat, and hand the discussion over to the team.
5. Facilitating DiscussionEncourage team members to use the “raise hand” feature in the video platform to signal when they want to speak.
   • Reacting to a Point: Participants can raise their hand (using the video platform feature) with a follow-up to what’s being discussed.
   • Introducing a New Point: Encourage them to use the chat or visually raise their hand if the platform doesn’t have this feature. The facilitator can call on them to ensure everyone has the chance to contribute.
6. Ensuring Participation and Driving SolutionsMake sure everyone’s voice is heard by calling on quieter participants if necessary. Direct the discussion toward solutions and next steps, reminding the group to stay action-oriented. Consider using collaborative tools like a shared Google Doc or a whiteboard tool to capture thoughts, ideas, and action points as they emerge.
7. Assigning Next StepsAt the end of the discussion, reserve time for assigning follow-up tasks and next steps. Ensure everyone is clear on their responsibilities moving forward, and confirm deadlines and deliverables.

Extending the ConversationIf the conversation is productive and there’s time, the facilitator can draw another Conversation Card or select a new Question Card to continue the dialogue.

1:1 Conversations

1:1s are a great place to gain specific, personal feedback from a team member. Use this deck as a reference to ask thoughtful questions that will help you to have a better sense for how your team is doing.

You could try to use the full framework, but that may feel awkward. Use your 1:1s to ask important questions, listen to your team so you can celebrate successes and address issues before they become problems.

Fostering Psychological Safety, Empathy, and Diverse Perspectives with Teamangle Conversation Cards

Why Psychological Safety and Empathy Matter

Communication, collaboration, and culture are the root of many team issus. The Teamangle Conversation Cards are designed to help you facilitate conversations that help uncover these issues, address them openly, and produce solutions that align with your team’s culture. For these conversations to be effective, it’s essential to create an environment where every team member feels safe, respected, and heard.

Creating Psychological Safety

Psychological safety is the foundation of any healthy conversation. It allows team members to speak openly without fear of judgment or repercussions, which is essential for identifying the root of communication or collaboration challenges. Here’s how to foster it during your sessions:

1. Set the Tone
   As the facilitator, make it clear from the start that this is a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts. Reinforce that all opinions and perspectives are valid and important.
2. Model Vulnerability
   As a leader or facilitator, showing vulnerability can encourage others to do the same. Share your own thoughts or feelings about the topic at hand to normalize open discussion and acknowledge that no one has all the answers.
3. Encourage Honest Feedback
   Use the Question Cards to prompt honest responses but reassure the team that there’s no pressure to provide the “perfect” answer. Feedback should be authentic and constructive.
4. Normalize Different Opinions
   Remind the group that disagreement is natural and productive when managed respectfully. Encourage participants to listen and respond to opposing views with curiosity, not criticism.

Practicing Empathy in Conversations

Empathy is the cornerstone of effective teamwork. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which is especially important when discussing challenging topics like communication or culture. Here’s how to ensure empathy is central to your discussions:

1. Listen to Understand, Not Respond
   When a team member speaks, encourage others to truly listen without immediately thinking of a response. This creates space for understanding different perspectives before reacting.
2. Acknowledge Everyone’s Feelings
   After each person shares their thoughts, it’s helpful to acknowledge their feelings, even if you don’t agree. For example, phrases like “I can see why you’d feel that way” or “That must be difficult” can go a long way in creating a sense of empathy and understanding.
3. Ask Clarifying Questions
   If something isn’t clear or feels emotionally charged, ask questions to clarify. This helps uncover deeper issues and shows that you value the other person’s experience.

Encouraging and Listening to Diverse Perspectives

Diverse perspectives are critical for identifying challenges and building innovative solutions. To ensure that all voices are heard during your Teamangle Conversations, consider the following:

1. Invite Everyone to Share
   Use a round-robin approach or the “raise hand” method to ensure that every team member has the chance to contribute. Avoid letting a few voices dominate the conversation.
2. Value All Inputs Equally
   Be mindful of different communication styles. Some team members may be more introverted or hesitant to speak up. Create space for quieter team members by asking open-ended questions like “Does anyone have a different take on this?” or “Would anyone like to add to that?”
3. Avoid Assumptions
   When someone shares a perspective that differs from the majority, please don’t dismiss it. Instead, encourage exploration of how that viewpoint could provide new insights into team dynamics.
4. Adapt to Different Needs
   Different people may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts in different ways. Consider offering the option to share ideas in writing (in the chat or a collaborative document) for those who may prefer not to speak up in real-time.

Guidance for Healthy Conversations

To ensure the conversation remains productive and respectful, consider these final tips:

• Establish Ground Rules: Create basic ground rules at the beginning of each session, such as “no interrupting” or “focus on the problem, not the person.” These guidelines help maintain a healthy discussion environment.
• Facilitate, Don’t Dominate: The facilitator should guide the conversation but not control it. Allow the team to direct the flow of conversation where possible, stepping in only to maintain respect and focus.
• Drive Toward Solutions: While it’s important to unpack problems, ensure that the conversation is directed toward action. Use the notes you take to capture key points, next steps, and solutions that the group can agree on.

By creating a psychologically safe environment, fostering empathy, and encouraging diverse perspectives, you’ll be able to get the most out of the Teamangle Conversation Cards. This approach helps uncover hidden challenges, build mutual understanding, and generate solutions that are tailored to your team’s unique culture and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions