People don’t avoid conversations — they avoid risk.
Why this matters → (30 sec read)
When a conversation feels risky, the body responds before the mind catches up.
Heart rate rises.
Thinking narrows.
Words disappear.
It’s not a communication issue.
It’s a safety one.
People speak up more easily when they believe the conversation won’t threaten their relationships, reputation, or sense of belonging.
Without that safety, silence feels protective.
For leaders → (30 sec read)
When people hesitate to speak up, it’s tempting to assume a lack of confidence or capability.
But hesitation is often a rational response to uncertainty.
Psychological safety isn’t about removing challenge.
It’s about making it safe enough to engage with it.
People are far more likely to raise issues, give feedback, or name tension when they trust that:
they won’t be punished for honesty
their intent won’t be misinterpreted
the relationship can withstand discomfort
Mindset shift required?
We often tell people to “just be honest”.
But honesty requires conditions.
It requires:
clarity about expectations
trust in how feedback will be received
confidence that speaking up won’t backfire
When those conditions aren’t present, avoidance isn’t weakness — it’s self-protection.
This is why telling people to “be braver” rarely works.
Conversations don’t become easier because people toughen up.
They become easier because the environment becomes safer.
And safety isn’t created in the moment of the conversation.
It’s built - quietly - in everything that comes before it.
What would need to feel safer for you to have a conversation you’ve been avoiding?
🔔 coming up on The Work Edit:
Tomorrow, we’ll focus on how to navigate necessary conversations without sugar-coating — and without unnecessary conflict.
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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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