Leaders often encounter awkward silences in meetings, which can be a sign that something important is being avoided. These silences can be a way of avoiding three types of conversations: the elephant, the hangover, and the cupboard under the stairs. The elephant refers to a conversation that everyone knows is needed but nobody will start, such as addressing an underperforming colleague or a flawed strategy. The hangover is a past event that still shapes how people behave, such as a botched reorganization or a leader who departed under a cloud. The cupboard under the stairs is a conversation that has been ruled out, often due to shame or fear of consequences. Avoiding these conversations can drain the energy of everyone present and lead to negative consequences. Naming the elephant, acknowledging the hangover, and opening the cupboard under the stairs can help to clear the air and restore trust. The skill required to have these conversations is not eloquence, but willingness to say the true thing in plain speech. Avoidance may feel like the safe option, but it can ultimately lead to the loss of trust and energy. By having the courage to have these conversations, leaders can create a more open and honest work environment, and the energy spent on avoidance can be redirected towards more productive work.