Research Insights: The Triadic Framework of Difficulty

Why some conversations feel riskier than others
 
Not all difficult conversations are created equal.
 
This free infographic introduces the Triadic Framework of Difficulty, developed from my doctoral research at the University of Hertfordshire, which shows how three factors combine to influence how challenging a conversation feels:
Who – conversations with managers are consistently rated as the most difficult due to hierarchy and power risks.
Type – personal topics (wellbeing, identity, interpersonal tension) feel harder than task-based or process-focused ones.
Subject – conversations about oneself (e.g., disclosing struggles or giving upward feedback) carry the highest emotional risk.
 
When these three elements overlap, for example, giving personal feedback to a manager about their behaviour, conversations are perceived as most difficult.
 
By contrast, task-focused conversations with peers tend to feel safer and more straightforward.
 
This framework highlights that difficulty lies on a continuum, shaped by power, emotional risk, and vulnerability, not just by the topic itself.
 
For organisations, the key takeaway is clear: building psychological safety requires addressing context and relationships, not just teaching communication techniques.
 
Download this free resource to explore the Triadic Framework and apply it in your workplace.