Think back to the last difficult conversation you had at work. Whether it was diffusing a situation after a mistake or working on a project with a colleague that you don’t get on with, we’ve all been there.

These talks can be awkward and anxiety-inducing, and most of us will go out of our way to avoid confrontation, especially in the workplace. Research has found that 57% of people say they would do almost anything to avoid a difficult conversation at work, with half saying they would rather put up with a negative situation than talk about it.

But sometimes, these conversations are inevitable, especially if you’re dealing with a boss or colleague with whom you don’t always see eye to eye. “The workplace is a melting pot of different generations, cultures and backgrounds, so personalities and communication styles can differ wildly,” explains Victoria McLean, CEO and founder of career consultancy City CV. “Sometimes they clash, leading to misaligned expectations or unspoken tensions and difficult conversations are the result.”

In order to move past issues we’re facing, we have to tackle them. “Situations become challenging when people are on different pages and things can quickly feel personal,” says McLean. “The key is recognising that most issues arise from a simple breakdown in communication, not personal intent.”

Need to approach a tricky subject but not sure where to start? Three career experts advise the following steps.

4 ways to handle difficult conversations with colleagues, according to career experts