Insights
Feb 27, 2025
4 Magic Phrases to Handle Workplace Insults with Confidence
We’ve all been there—someone drops a comment at work that lands just a little too hard. “Oh wow, you’re actually early for once!” or the ever-classic “No offense, but…” followed by something completely offensive.
Workplace conflict isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the side-eyes, the snarky remarks, the “just joking” excuses that create tension. Left unchecked, these small moments build up, leading to miscommunication, low morale, and an uncomfortable workplace culture.
But here’s the thing—you don’t have to sit there frozen, fuming, or frustrated. Instead, you can take control with four simple phrases that help you navigate these moments without escalating the situation.
Why This Matters for Your Team
We get it—workplace relationships are complex, and not every difficult interaction is intentional. But when casual jabs and passive-aggressive comments become the norm, they can:
- Create an unspoken culture of avoidance, where people would rather stay silent than engage
- Reduce productivity and motivation, because no one does their best work when they feel undermined
- Erode trust and psychological safety, turning small tensions into ongoing conflict
The key? Learning how to respond effectively in the moment—without confrontation, but with confidence.
1. “Say that again?”
This phrase is deceptively simple but incredibly effective. When someone makes a passive-aggressive remark, this response:
- Interrupts their flow and makes them pause
- Forces them to reflect on what they just said
- Puts the focus back on them—without you having to react emotionally
Used in the right tone, this phrase is neutral, calm, and stops a snide remark in its tracks.
Try it next time someone makes a questionable comment—you’ll be surprised how often they backpedal.
2. “I’m curious—what do you mean by that?”
If “Say that again?” is the gentle tap on the brakes, this one is the full stop.
- It forces clarity—no more vague jabs or ambiguous remarks
- It shifts the responsibility back to the speaker—now they have to explain themselves
- It keeps you composed, rather than defensive
Instead of getting caught up in the emotion of the moment, this phrase helps you redirect the conversation with curiosity, not conflict.
3. “Let’s take a moment to cool off.”
Sometimes, tensions rise too quickly to have a productive conversation. This phrase:
- Acknowledges the emotions in the room without dismissing them
- Stops an interaction from escalating further
- Creates space to reset and revisit the conversation in a more constructive way
It is particularly useful in high-stakes conversations, performance reviews, or moments of strong disagreement. Instead of reacting in the heat of the moment, this response gives both parties the chance to step back and recalibrate.
4. “I appreciate your perspective.”
This is a highly effective response, especially when receiving criticism. When someone challenges your work, questions your decisions, or offers unsolicited feedback, this phrase:
- Acknowledges their viewpoint—without agreeing
- Gives you space to present your own perspective
- Keeps the conversation constructive, rather than confrontational
For example, if a colleague says, "I don’t think your approach is the right one," responding with "I appreciate your perspective—let me walk you through my thought process" keeps you in control of the conversation.
Building a More Communicative Workplace
Workplace conflict is inevitable, but how we handle it makes all the difference. Equipping teams with the right tools to navigate tough conversations with confidence creates a culture where:
- People feel safe to communicate openly and respectfully
- Tensions don’t escalate into bigger problems
- Teams collaborate more effectively, without fear of miscommunication
That’s where expert-led intercultural training comes in. At GORM, we work with organisations to build cultures of open communication, mutual understanding, and strong leadership.
Want to Equip Your Team with These Skills?
Workplace conversations don’t have to feel like a battlefield—let’s make them clearer, more constructive, and culture-building.
GORM is an multi-award winning social enterprise on a mission to unify across differences and advance belonging for marginalised communities through intercultural media and education. Guided by evidence based methods such asBelonging Design Principles and Intercultural Competence Frameworks, GORM delivers its services to Elevate the voices of diverse communities through media, Enable Communities to tell their stories through community programme, and Equip leaders through evidence based intercultural consultancy. GORM aids in the sustainable goals of (10) reducing inequality and (16) Peace, justice and strong institutions.
