Silence Is Not Neutral: Why Avoided Conversations Cost Your Business
Wed Feb 04 2026
The conversations leaders avoid are the fastest way to lose trust, stall performance, and weaken credibility.
In this episode, Maartje van Krieken speaks with executive coach Emma Collyer to explain why leaders hesitate to say what needs to be said and how that hesitation quietly undermines teams. Avoidance often comes from care rather than neglect, yet softened feedback and delayed conversations leave people unclear about expectations. When clarity fades, trust in leadership weakens and performance follows. Direct communication, handled thoughtfully, becomes a form of respect rather than confrontation.
The conversation also looks at how difficult communication shifts under pressure. Change and uncertainty demand more than one-way messages. Leaders need space for dialogue, trusted voices to help carry clarity, and the discipline to show up calm and composed when stakes are high. The episode challenges leaders to reflect on a simple question: are your conversations creating alignment, or protecting short-term comfort at long-term cost?
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations
03:15 Why Leaders Avoid Honest Feedback
06:55 Framing and Timing Difficult Conversations
08:45 Communicating Hard Messages During Change
14:30 Emotional Regulation Under Pressure
21:00 Practical Frameworks for Difficult Conversations
27:45 Turning Difficult Conversations Into Clear Action
Connect with Emma Collyer:
Connect with Emma on LinkedIn
Follow Emma on Instagram
Visit the Aspire Executive Coaching website
Email: emma@aspireexecutivecoaching.ca
Freebie: https://needmoretrust.com
Emma Collyer is the owner and principal coach of Aspire Executive Coaching, where she helps leaders turn everyday interactions into powerful, two-way conversations that spark trust, creativity, and results. Known for her down-to-earth approach and energy in the room, she transforms “tough talks” into growth moments that bring teams closer together. A certified ICF-ACC coach and Emotional Intelligence practitioner based in Canada, Emma works with leaders around the world—helping them communicate with clarity, lead with empathy, and enjoy the ride along the way.
Connect with Maartje van Krieken:
Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn
Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website
Visit The Business Emergency Room website
Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube
Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack
Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and...
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The conversations leaders avoid are the fastest way to lose trust, stall performance, and weaken credibility. In this episode, Maartje van Krieken speaks with executive coach Emma Collyer to explain why leaders hesitate to say what needs to be said and how that hesitation quietly undermines teams. Avoidance often comes from care rather than neglect, yet softened feedback and delayed conversations leave people unclear about expectations. When clarity fades, trust in leadership weakens and performance follows. Direct communication, handled thoughtfully, becomes a form of respect rather than confrontation. The conversation also looks at how difficult communication shifts under pressure. Change and uncertainty demand more than one-way messages. Leaders need space for dialogue, trusted voices to help carry clarity, and the discipline to show up calm and composed when stakes are high. The episode challenges leaders to reflect on a simple question: are your conversations creating alignment, or protecting short-term comfort at long-term cost? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Difficult Conversations 03:15 Why Leaders Avoid Honest Feedback 06:55 Framing and Timing Difficult Conversations 08:45 Communicating Hard Messages During Change 14:30 Emotional Regulation Under Pressure 21:00 Practical Frameworks for Difficult Conversations 27:45 Turning Difficult Conversations Into Clear Action Connect with Emma Collyer: Connect with Emma on LinkedIn Follow Emma on Instagram Visit the Aspire Executive Coaching website Email: emma@aspireexecutivecoaching.ca Freebie: https://needmoretrust.com Emma Collyer is the owner and principal coach of Aspire Executive Coaching, where she helps leaders turn everyday interactions into powerful, two-way conversations that spark trust, creativity, and results. Known for her down-to-earth approach and energy in the room, she transforms “tough talks” into growth moments that bring teams closer together. A certified ICF-ACC coach and Emotional Intelligence practitioner based in Canada, Emma works with leaders around the world—helping them communicate with clarity, lead with empathy, and enjoy the ride along the way. Connect with Maartje van Krieken: Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website Visit The Business Emergency Room website Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and...