Difficult conversations

So many brilliant leaders tell me the same thing. They can handle

✔️ complex strategy,

✔️ organisational change

✔️ and high-stakes decision-making,

Yet one thing still ties them in knots…

😬 having a difficult conversation.

Avoidance is more common than people think.

CIPD research shows that 44% of leaders dodge challenging conversations altogether, often because they fear conflict or worry about harming relationships.

For women, this is heightened.

Studies by Williams and Tiedens found that women are more likely to face backlash for directness or assertiveness, so the stakes can feel even higher.

A senior leader I coached recently summed it up perfectly. She said, “I would rather manage more and more work than tell my CEO I’m overwhelmed.”

She is exceptional at what she does; high performing, respected and full of integrity. But she had internalised the idea that raising a concern might make her look difficult or ungrateful.

Her wellbeing was slipping, her workload was unmanageable and she felt increasingly invisible.

Once we explored what was behind the avoidance and built her confidence, she approached the conversation calmly and clearly. Not only was she heard, but her role was reshaped in a way that protected her well-being and improved outcomes for her team.

This is not unusual. It is exactly what the research shows.

Leadership development that focuses on courageous conversations can increase capability by up to 40%, and leaders who give clear, candid feedback see a marked rise in team trust.

Learning to hold others to account with compassion and clarity is a skill. With the right tools and space to practise, leaders can shift from avoidance to confidence.

The result is stronger relationships, fairer workloads and healthier organisational cultures.

If you are a senior leader who knows you have been putting off the conversations that matter, you do not have to keep carrying that alone.

Book a call with me and let’s strengthen your confidence, courage and leadership impact.