Research Insights: The Difficult Conversation Journey

From silence to voice, and what shapes the path
 
Every difficult workplace conversation follows a journey.
 
Sometimes it leads to voice and growth, other times it loops back into silence and avoidance.
 
This free infographic, based on my doctoral research at the University of Hertfordshire, maps out the key stages of that journey, from the triggering moment, to the internal decision point, to the outcomes that follow.
 
The research shows that whether someone speaks up or stays silent depends on three core factors:
Motivation – emotional readiness and belief that speaking will matter
Capability – confidence and ability to manage the conversation
Opportunity – having the right time, space, and support to act
 
When silence wins out, people often enter an avoidance–resistance loop, rehearsing internally but never speaking, leading to frustration and lost trust. But with the right preparation, emotional scaffolding, and supportive culture, that loop can be broken.
 
This infographic offers a clear, research-backed framework for understanding what drives silence versus voice, and how organisations can design conditions where people feel safe, and ready, to speak up.
 
Download your free copy below to explore the journey and learn strategies for breaking the silence loop.