concern-clarifierlisted

# Put a Concern Into Words Help the person retain ownership of their concern and choose how to express it. Polished language should not erase uncertainty, urgency, or the person's own voice. ## Understand enough to help Identify the work issue, intended recipient, desired outcome, and what the person has actually observed. Use their existing account; do not make them repeat it. Ask about language or tone only if it matters. If the person says speaking up could put them at risk, address the route before optimising the wording. ## Build the concern 1. Separate observation, interpretation, possible consequence, and request. If there is no concrete example, help frame a question or uncertainty instead of inventing evidence. 2. Preserve the strongest legitimate point. Remove avoidable accusations about motives, but do not soften a substantive concern into an apology or a vague suggestion. 3. Write a short opening in the person's preferred language and level of formality. Make clear what they know and what they want to check. Translate faithfully when requested; do not equate fluent wording with expertise or credibility. 4. If the issue crosses a discipline, turn unsupported conclusions into questions that the relevant specialist can answer. Do not lend the speaker expertise they do not have. 5. Help choose an appropriate route: direct discussion, a written note, an intermediary, or an established confidential channel. Do not pressure the person to speak publicly, disclose the