Do you avoid difficult conversations at work because you’re worried about conflict or saying the wrong thing?

You’re not alone! In this episode of the Academy World Podcast, Nicola Richardson, The People Mentor, shares expert advice on how to approach tough discussions with confidence and clarity.

When workplace issues aren’t addressed, they don’t just go away—they get worse. Unspoken frustrations can lead to poor communication, unhappy teams, and even business failures.

That’s why learning how to handle these conversations is so important. In this episode, we cover:

✅ Why people avoid difficult conversations – and how this hurts workplace culture

✅ A simple 3-step AID model – an easy way to plan and have better discussions

✅ How to create a safe and open environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up

✅ The SCARF model – a tool for building trust and psychological safety in teams

✅ What businesses gain from open conversations – from better teamwork to improved performance

✅ Practical tips to stay calm and in control when facing a challenging discussion

📌 Acronyms Explained (Full details in the show notes!):

AID Model: Action, Impact, Development – A step-by-step framework for structuring conversations.

SCARF Model: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness – A tool to create psychological safety in the workplace.

DISC Personality Types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness – A way to understand different communication styles.

Nicola provides real-life examples and straightforward techniques that can be used by managers, employees, and business owners alike.

Whether you need to give constructive feedback, discuss performance issues, or raise concerns with a boss, this episode gives you the skills to handle it effectively.

📌 Free Resources & Webinar: Check the show notes for useful tools and details on our upcoming webinar, where we’ll dive even deeper into this topic!

🔗 Connect with Nicola Richardson:

🌍 Website: ThePeopleMentor.co.uk

💼 LinkedIn: Nicola Richardson, The People Mentor

🔗 Learn more about Academy World: https://www.theacademy.world If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more expert advice!

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