It’s common in organizations (as in the rest of our lives) to avoid the conversation that matters. We wait, and hope things get better. They never do. The hidden truth blocks progress, remaining the proverbial elephant in the room.

One technique leaders can use to overcome this is to normalize having difficult conversations. Set aside time for the important subjects, and signal that you are open to hearing the truth. What should we really be talking about right now? What’s hard to talk about, but needs to get out on the table? Open that door, and keep it open.