Team Two is working on an ad hoc project to improve company morale.

They are meeting over lunch, since their regular schedule is so full. Two members of the five-person team have brought food to the meeting, which is held in the company’s small break room. Tom really objects because he dislikes the strong smell of garlic and curry in the small room. He sends a text to Mary (another team member) to complain, writing,

“SOS—can’t stand the smell!”

To which Mary rolls her eyes, sighs, and writes,

“4COL. Say something then.”

Their texting is disrupting the meeting and making other attendees uncomfortable.

What is the source of the conflict and what should the team do?