Why Leaders Avoid Difficult Conversations And Why It Costs Them - Lisa Oakley

**Most leaders don't have a conflict problem. They have a feedback problem.** Conflict is inevitable in every team, but it doesn't have to become destructive. People and culture leader Lisa Oakley believes the biggest mistake leaders make is avoiding difficult conversations until small issues become major problems. Great leaders don't shy away from feedback—they create environments where honest conversations are normal, trust is protected and conflict becomes a catalyst for stronger relationships. In this episode of the Fireside Leadership Podcast, Chris Turkington sits down with Lisa to unpack the leadership skills behind effective feedback, psychological safety and healthy conflict. They discuss trust, coaching conversations, asking better questions, receiving feedback without defensiveness and building cultures where people feel safe enough to perform at their best. If you lead people, this episode offers practical tools you can start using immediately. - Why avoiding conflict creates bigger leadership problems - How to give feedback that actually changes behaviour - Why curiosity beats criticism in difficult conversations - The simple questions that unlock better coaching conversations - How to receive feedback without becoming defensive - Why psychological safety is essential for high-performing teams - The building blocks of trust inside successful organisations - How healthy conflict drives innovation and stronger relationships Lisa Oakley is a people and culture leader, workplace investigator, mediator and speaker who specialises in leadership, organisational culture, conflict resolution and psychological safety. She works with organisations across New Zealand to help leaders navigate difficult conversations, build trust and create healthier, higher-performing workplaces through practical, evidence-based approaches to people leadership. LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-oakley/]() Website: https://peopleassociates.nz HR Unlocked: [https://www.youtube.com/@HRUnlocked]() The Fireside Leadership Podcast brings you conversations with exceptional leaders from business, sport, the military and public service, uncovering the experiences, decisions and lessons that shape outstanding leadership. Hosted by Chris Turkington. Produced by Aegis Leadership: www.aegisleadership.co.nz