Two topics that keep crossing my path these days are trust and resilience. Trust as the foundation for collaboration, and resilience as the ability to deal with challenges, stress, and setbacks—and to emerge stronger.
In this blog post, I want to share some first-aid interventions that can help build more trust and resilience in teams—especially when emotions run high and things get heated.
The “Crap Round”: Giving Anger a Voice
In teams burdened by conflict or stress, fostering open communication and respectful interaction can be a real challenge. One simple but highly effective method for releasing tension is the “Crap Round.” I first encountered this intervention from Veronika Jungwirth and Ralph Miarka. It gives participants a safe space to voice their frustrations and negative thoughts without censorship—and then invites them to move on constructively.
It’s a great first-aid tool when a discussion suddenly escalates, resistance gets loud, or the group spirals into collective doom-talk.
How it works: Pause the discussion and switch the setting—move to another meeting room or even just a different corner of the current space. That physical change already helps interrupt the dynamic and can shift group perspective.
Then explain the “Crap Round”: Each person gets about two minutes to say everything that’s bothering them—what’s weighing on them, what they think is crap.
No discussion, no problem-solving. Just express and listen.
Everyone gets their turn. No interruptions. No fixing. Just talk it out and be heard. If someone runs out of things to say, they simply pass.
Once someone finishes, the whole group stomps loudly and yells “CRAP!” together. It’s a symbolic action to blow off steam and let go of the emotional buildup. Then it’s the next person’s turn. One round is usually enough, but more can be done if needed.
Afterwards, the team returns to the original space—and shifts into solution mode by asking, “What’s actually working well in this topic?” After all, the crap was just dumped outside.
Why it helps build resilience and trust:
- Emotional release = resilience: Expressing frustration without judgment reduces pressure and increases individual capacity to handle stress.
- Open sharing = trust: Honest, unfiltered communication shows team members they’re not alone in their struggles. It creates connection.
- Togetherness: Shouting “CRAP!” as a group is cathartic and silly—and powerful. It reminds everyone they’re in this together.
The Crap Round is simple, human, and incredibly effective. And hey, everyone deserves to vent about crap now and then.
Trojka Consulting: Structured Listening and Being Heard
Trojka Consulting is a powerful and versatile method from Liberating Structures. It’s especially helpful in conflict navigation. It supports collaboration, builds trust, and helps teams become more resilient by focusing on structured reflection—without debate or drama.
How it works: Three people form a group: one Client and two Consultants.
- The Client shares a challenge, question, or argument—just for a few minutes. Only clarifying questions are allowed, no discussion.
- Then the Client turns their back and listens silently while the Consultants discuss what they heard—offering insights, ideas, perspectives. The Client may not interrupt, clarify, or react.
- After 5–10 minutes, the Client turns back around and shares what they took away—briefly. Again, no further discussion.
Then the roles rotate so everyone gets a turn being Client and Consultant.
Why it works in tense situations:
- Safe space = calm conversation: No cross-talk or interruptions. Everyone gets heard.
- Trust through reciprocity: Everyone gives and receives help. That balance builds mutual respect.
- Resilience through reflection: Hearing others' ideas while staying quiet gives space for deeper insight—and lowers defensiveness.
- Collaborative problem-solving: The solution emerges from structured exchange, not heated debate. That strengthens team resilience.
Trojka Consulting builds muscles for trust, listening, and emotional regulation. It’s a peaceful powerhouse of a method.
The Anger Walk: Let It Out Side-by-Side
The Anger Walk is a simple and powerful tool to break through gridlocked team dynamics and diffuse tension. The team pairs up and takes a walk outside—changing the physical space and setting the tone for a more open, relaxed conversation.
How it works:
When you notice the group hitting a wall—maybe emotions are high or the room feels “stuck”—pause the session. Ask people to pair up and go for a 20-minute walk outdoors.
During the walk, each pair is asked to:
- Talk through their frustrations.
- Develop small ideas or partial solutions (aka “15% Solutions”)—things they can realistically try.
These don’t have to be big fixes. Just something to keep the ball moving. When they return, they share these insights or ideas with the group.
Why it helps:
- Movement = mental shift: Walking physically shifts emotional energy. Nature helps people breathe again.
- Relaxed setting = real talk: Side-by-side, informal conversations help lower defensiveness and open up deeper reflection.
- Small wins = team resilience: “15% solutions” keep things practical and doable—showing the team that change is always possible, even in small steps.
- Connection through co-creation: Coming back with tangible ideas strengthens trust in each other’s contributions.
In short: Walk it out, talk it out, figure it out—together.
And Now?
All three of these first-aid interventions create space for frustration and solutions. They give team members a chance to express themselves, be heard, and move forward with small, constructive steps. That’s how trust is built. That’s how resilience grows.
So, what’s your go-to move when the team’s about to blow? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!