Facing What's Swept Under the Rug: Tackling Workplace Avoidance

In this 6th episode of The Erin Coupe Podcast, Erin explores the pervasive tendency in corporate culture to avoid difficult conversations. She discusses the detrimental effects of sweeping people-related issues under the rug and offers actionable strategies for fostering openness, trust, and accountability.

Whether you're a leader or a team member, this episode provides valuable insights into handling tough conversations with empathy, clarity, and confidence to create healthier and more productive workplace dynamics.

Show Notes:

• The long-term harm of avoiding difficult conversations.
• Why people problems require people-focused solutions, not operational fixes.
• Personal anecdotes of disengagement and how avoiding feedback can erode trust.
• Addressing the fear of discomfort and lack of preparation for tough conversations.
• Strategies for fostering a culture of openness, empathy, and self-reflection.

Key Takeaways for YOU:

1. Avoidance Amplifies Problems - Ignoring tough conversations doesn’t make issues disappear—it exacerbates them. Addressing them early prevents unnecessary harm to team morale and trust.

2. Create a Culture of Feedback - Regular, two-way feedback fosters transparency and reduces the stigma around addressing people issues. Open communication strengthens trust and connection.

3. Approach with Empathy and Clarity - Empathy doesn’t mean avoiding hard truths. Be clear, direct, and understanding to hold people accountable while respecting their feelings and circumstances.

4. Constructive, Behavior-Focused Feedback - Frame feedback around behaviors and outcomes rather than personal attributes. Starting with your own areas for growth makes the conversation feel collaborative rather than critical.

5. Self-Reflection is Crucial - Check in with yourself regularly: Are you avoiding difficult conversations? Cultivating self-awareness and authenticity in your leadership style can transform workplace relationships and outcomes.

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New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Erin’s 10-20 minute episodes meet you where you are - pressed for time. This is your purposeful reminder to stop, reflect and think mid-week amidst all the pulls on your energy and demands of your intellect.

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