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From the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster to scandals at Theranos and Boeing, history shows that the most devastating organisational failures rarely stem from lack of intelligence or resources. Instead, they are caused by a culture of silence, where warning signs are seen but never voiced.
This eBook draws on extensive research, including the landmark Silence Fails study, to explore five recurring issues that derail high-stakes projects and strategies when left unaddressed:
- Fact-Free Planning – Deadlines and budgets set without grounding in reality.
- AWOL Sponsors – Leaders who fail to provide needed support, political clout, or resources.
- Skirting – Individuals bypassing established processes without accountability.
- Project Chicken – Teams avoiding hard truths, waiting for others to speak up first.
- Team Failures – Dysfunction that goes unchallenged, eroding collaboration and outcomes.
The research shows that 90% of leaders face at least one of these issues, yet fewer than 20% address them openly. The cost? Failed projects, wasted billions, leadership turnover, and in sectors like healthcare and aerospace, lives lost.
The good news: silence is not inevitable. Organisations that invest in Crucial Conversations® training build the skills, confidence, and culture needed to surface difficult truths early. When candour replaces silence, performance improves dramatically - teams execute better, risks are reduced, and innovation flourishes.
To learn how Crucial Conversations® training can help your organisation eliminate silence and foster a culture of accountability and honest dialogue, click below:
👉 Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue
👉 Crucial Conversations for Accountability
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