Unclear expectations - including unspoken tension - are a hidden source of stress.
Why this matters → (30 sec read)
When expectations aren’t clear, your brain fills in the gaps.
That’s true for tasks and priorities —
but it’s also true for relationships.
Is that comment just their style, or was it a dig?
Are we aligned, or just being polite?
Is this tension something to address — or something to ignore?
Unspoken conflict creates as much stress as unclear work expectations.
Sometimes more.
Clarity isn’t just about what you’re doing.
It’s about how you’re working together.
For leaders → (30 sec read)
Stress doesn’t only come from unclear goals or priorities.
It also comes from:
unresolved tension
mismatched communication styles
behaviours that are starting to jar
conflict that everyone feels but no one names
When these go unaddressed, people adapt quietly:
they withdraw, overthink, or avoid certain interactions.
Clarity around ways of working — not just work output — is one of the most powerful ways to reduce hidden stress.
Mindset shift required?
When we talk about clarity at work, we often think in practical terms; deadlines, deliverables, roles and responsibilities…
But some of the most stressful ambiguity lives elsewhere.
In tone, behaviour.
In the things that almost get said - or that get communicated but not verbally.
That passing comment that lingered.
That person’s communication style that really grates.
A tension that’s felt but has never been acknowledged.
When relational expectations are unclear, people start self-editing.
They choose their words carefully.
They avoid certain topics — or certain people.
This kind of stress is easy to miss, because work still gets done.
But the emotional load increases quietly.
Clarity here doesn’t mean confrontation.
It means naming what’s already present — so it doesn’t have to be carried alone.
reflection
Where might unspoken tension be creating more stress than the work itself?
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No Sugar, No Spice: The Recipe for Real Conversations
Thursday 5 February 2026
12:00 13:00
You might think avoiding tough conversations makes you kind or considerate. In reality, it’s holding everyone back—including you. Let’s face it: dodging discomfort doesn’t just affect you. It hinders your team and your organisation from reaching their full potential. By avoiding these moments, you deprive your team members of valuable feedback, stall their development, and miss opportunities to strengthen your working relationships.
It’s time to break the cycle. It’s Time to Talk.
In this masterclass, you’ll learn how to face these conversations head-on, adopt a practical and proven strategy, and build stronger, more productive connections.
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