Talking About Hard Things in 2025: The Power of Naming the Elephant

It’s 2025, and let’s be honest—nearly every conversation feels like a landmine. Whether you’re in a meeting, grabbing lunch with colleagues, or chatting at a networking event, there are topics that feel too hot to touch: politics, religion, race, identity, generational beliefs, social issues.

And the result is...a whole lot of silence. A lot of walking on eggshells. A lot of “better just not say anything at all.”

But here’s what I’ve learned through years of coaching teams and facilitating tough conversations: It’s not the topic that shuts people down. It’s the feeling of not being seen in their discomfort.

That’s why I teach people to start with what I call “naming the tough elephant in the room.”That might sound like:

“I just want to acknowledge that this topic is hard to talk about. It’s scary, because we all come from different backgrounds and belief systems.”

It’s a simple move—but it changes everything.

You’re saying, “I see you. I know this is sensitive. I’m not here to bulldoze through it.”

And more importantly, you’re signaling that you’re not above the discomfort—you’re in it with them.

Then, follow that up by clearly stating your intention:

“The goal here isn’t to offend or step on toes. It’s to create a shared understanding of where we are, and what our challenges might be as we move forward together.”

When you lead with vulnerability and clarity, people don’t recoil—they lean in.Walls drop.Breath returns.Real dialogue becomes possible.

We don’t have to be perfect at these conversations.But we do have to be brave enough to name what’s true.

And in a time where everything feels like a trigger, that kind of courage is more needed than ever.