DiscoverLead the People#151: Why Managers Avoid Critical Conversations and What To Do About It (feat. Lee Scott)
#151: Why Managers Avoid Critical Conversations and What To Do About It (feat. Lee Scott)

#151: Why Managers Avoid Critical Conversations and What To Do About It (feat. Lee Scott)

Update: 2025-12-11
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Description

In this episode, leadership coach Lee Scott explores why so many managers avoid hard conversations and what to do about it. He shares how fear, unclear expectations, and lack of training often hold leaders back from saying what needs to be said.


Lee offers practical tools for building the courage and clarity to step into uncomfortable conversations with confidence. From naming the gap between intention and impact to creating environments where feedback is safe and expected, this conversation is a candid look at the human side of leadership growth.


Key Takeaways:



  1. Avoiding hard conversations is often rooted in fear and self-protection.

  2. Clarity of expectations is key to building healthy accountability.

  3. Managers need support and practice to develop relational courage.

  4. Feedback is most effective when it names both intent and impact.

  5. Psychological safety starts with leaders modeling honesty and curiosity.


From Our Sponsor:


The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.


Additional Resources:


Lee Scott, Founder & Chief Change Agent, Unleashing Leaders: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unleashingleaders/


Unleashing Leaders: http://www.unleashingleaders.com


YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/Unleashingleaders


Leadership Conversation Series (Course): https://unleashingleadersuniversity.com/leadership-conversations-series


Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/


Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all


Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

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#151: Why Managers Avoid Critical Conversations and What To Do About It (feat. Lee Scott)

#151: Why Managers Avoid Critical Conversations and What To Do About It (feat. Lee Scott)

Matt Poepsel, PhD