Research Insights: The Conversation Difficulty Continuum

Why some conversations feel harder than others
Not all workplace conversations carry the same weight. Some feel straightforward, while others feel daunting,  even risky.
 
This free infographic shares insights from my doctoral research at the University of Hertfordshire, exploring the factors that shape how difficult a conversation feels.
 
The findings show that difficulty isn’t fixed but lies on a continuum shaped by three variables:
Who the conversation is with (e.g., manager vs. peer)
Type of topic (personal vs. work-related)
Subject focus (about oneself vs. about another)
 
Conversations with managers, personal topics, and self-disclosure were consistently rated as the most challenging, highlighting the role of structural, emotional, and relational risks.
 
The Conversation Difficulty Continuum helps organisations and leaders move beyond “easy vs. hard” thinking and instead design tailored support for different contexts, building cultures of trust and psychological safety that make speaking up possible.
 
Download this free resource to explore the continuum and learn how to prepare for conversations according to the risks involved.