The Cost of Saying Nothing: How Avoiding Conflict Undermines Teams
In this episode:
Ivey Professors Kanina Blanchard and Cameron McAlpine lead an in-depth exploration of the role silence plays in leadership and the often unseen consequences it can have on individuals, teams, and organizations. Focusing on moments where leaders hesitate to speak up around performance, inclusion, conflict, and change, the conversation reveals how avoidance can quietly erode trust, weaken alignment, and diminish engagement over time.
Drawing on research, real-world leadership experience, and interactive discussion, the episode unpacks the psychological drivers behind silence and avoidance, helping leaders recognize the early warning signs of communication breakdowns before they escalate. Most importantly, listeners gain practical, actionable tools for leading courageous conversations.
Other ways to listen:
What is Learning In Action?
Hosted by the Ivey Executive Education at Ivey Business School, Learning in Action explores current topics in leadership and organizations. In this podcasting series, we invite our world-class faculty and a variety of industry experts to deliver insights from the latest research in leadership, examine areas of disruption and growth, and discuss how leaders can shape their organizations for success.
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