When someone on your team suddenly stops speaking up, stops pushing back, or simply nods along, it can be easy to assume everything is fine.

But silence doesn’t always mean peace.

Sometimes, silence is a sign of hurt, disconnection, or a relationship that no longer feels safe.

In this episode of The Leader in You, Dr. Lola Gershfeld and Polina explore what workplace silence may really be communicating and why ignoring it can allow disconnection to deepen. They unpack the common conflict cycles of pursue–pursue, pursue–withdraw, and withdraw–withdraw—and show how one person’s silence can increase anxiety in another, creating a painful cycle that keeps both people stuck.

You’ll also learn how leaders can begin re-engaging someone who has withdrawn without pressuring them to open up before they feel safe.

Using the Emotional Connection (EmC) Process, Lola and Polina share three simple ways to begin rebuilding connection:

1. Get curious about what has changed and gently ask what may be happening.
2. Share how the disconnection impacts you while communicating care, concern, and the importance of the relationship.
3. Respond safely when they begin to share by validating their experience rather than immediately trying to fix the problem.

Because when someone goes quiet, the answer isn’t to ignore them—or push harder.

It’s to create enough emotional safety for them to come back into the relationship.

If someone on your team has gone quiet, this episode will help you understand what may be happening beneath the silence and how to begin reconnecting.

The Leader in You is the go-to podcast for anyone who wants to create a workplace culture where teams can thrive.

Envision a future where you are more grounded, confident, and in sync with your team.

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Connect with Dr. Lola Gershfeld:

LinkedIn: Dr. Lola Gershfeld
Instagram: @drlolaemc

Connect with Polina Marian:

LinkedIn: Polina Marian
Instagram: @livewithfivekids

Dr. Lola Gershfeld, a distinguished organizational psychologist, has dedicated her career to delving into the intricate layers of employee engagement, team dynamics, and wo...