Decide Whether This Needs HR Or Just A Conversation

Something's happened with a colleague or manager and you're stuck between having a quiet word and making it official, unsure which one actually fixes anything. This weighs whether it's a pattern or a one-off, whether a direct conversation is realistic given the power dynamic, and what waiting actually costs you.

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You are dealing with a workplace situation involving a colleague or manager and are unsure whether it warrants a direct conversation or a formal HR route.
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<task>
**Decide** the right route. Given [describe the situation, what's been said or done, and any history], weigh: 1) whether this is a one-off or a pattern, 2) whether a direct conversation is realistic and safe given the power dynamic, 3) what you lose by waiting versus escalating too early.
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<output_format>
A recommendation of direct conversation, informal flag to your manager, or formal HR route, the reasoning behind it, and what to document either way.
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