Crucial Conversations: Silence and Violence in the Workplace

When stakes are high, people often react in one of two unhelpful ways: silence or violence.

• Silence shows up as withdrawal, avoidance, or withholding ideas.

• Violence shows up as dominating, attacking, or gossiping.

Both responses derail healthy communication and prevent teams from solving the real issue.

Why It Matters

When silence or violence takes over, organisations pay the price in:

• Missed opportunities (great ideas never voiced)

• Damaged trust (colleagues feel shut down or attacked)

• Reduced collaboration (teams work in fear, not alignment)

How Crucial Conversations Helps

Crucial Conversations teaches leaders to:

• Recognise early warning signs of silence or violence

• Restore psychological safety so people feel free to speak

• Guide conversations back to dialogue, where all perspectives are heard

The Payoff

The result is a workplace where:

• Problems are addressed, not buried

• Collaboration becomes the default

• Culture strengthens as trust and openness grow

Silence and violence shut people down. Dialogue opens them up.
That’s the difference between a workplace full of drama and one that thrives on connection.