The skills you need guide to interpersonal skills

D is for DESCRIBE
Describe the situation using only FACTS.
Make this as clear and succinct as you can. Don’t describe the whole 
problem, which may involve assumptions and therefore go off topic. 
Instead, focus on the exact action that is the problem for you. It is a 
good idea to have this clearly in your mind before you start.
“You didn’t CC me in an important client email”
• 
E is for EXPRESS
Express to them how it made you feel, and how it has affected you 
personally or professionally.
You do not need to go into minute detail of your feelings, but they need to 
know why you care on a human or professional level. Be honest and spend 
time thinking exactly why it upsets you. This is good place to sanity check 
your reasoning and make sure you are not overreacting to the problem.
“It made me feel out of the loop and worried about other things 
I may not be aware of.”

---

93
2.
ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS
• 
A is for ASSERT
Assert exactly what you want to happen in the future. This should be a 
clear and achievable objective.
“I would like you to CC me in on all client emails”
If your objective is harder to achieve, suggest ways you could support them 
in achieving the goal, such as organising a workshop or online course.
•