The Power of Speaking Up

Lots of Redgate clients over the last month have bravely experimented with having "difficult conversations"-mostly with their bosses or tricky colleagues.In coaching sessions we structure the conversation using the DESC model-Describe the situation-State the Emotional response they had-Outline the desired Situation and then describe the Consequences.
 The two most important rules are to:-

• Always use an I statement , not you statements

e.g. I was confused/angry/upset/worried etc  when x happened-not you made me confused/angry/upset/worried etc when x happened.

• Stay neutral and professional-this is not the place or time  for tears, yelling, sarcasm( in fact there is never a place for this bevaiour in any workplace -but more on that another time!)

The clients have  all reported that the conversations went well , with them feeling heard and having their needs acknowledged and met.The power of speaking up-unbeatable!