difficult-workplace-conversations
Structured approach to workplace conflicts, performance discussions, and challenging feedback using preparation-delivery-followup framework. Use when preparing for tough conversations, addressing conflicts, giving critical feedback, or navigating sensitive workplace discussions.
Install with Tessl CLI
npx tessl i github:softaworks/agent-toolkit --skill difficult-workplace-conversationsOverall
score
88%
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Discovery
89%Based on the skill's description, can an agent find and select it at the right time? Clear, specific descriptions lead to better discovery.
This is a well-crafted description with strong trigger terms and explicit 'Use when' guidance that clearly defines its niche. The main weakness is that the capabilities could be more concrete—listing specific deliverables like scripts, talking points, or templates would strengthen the specificity dimension.
Suggestions
Add specific concrete actions/outputs like 'draft talking points', 'create feedback scripts', 'generate follow-up email templates' to improve specificity
| Dimension | Reasoning | Score |
|---|---|---|
Specificity | Names the domain (workplace conflicts, performance discussions, feedback) and mentions a framework (preparation-delivery-followup), but doesn't list specific concrete actions like 'draft talking points', 'create feedback scripts', or 'generate follow-up templates'. | 2 / 3 |
Completeness | Clearly answers both what (structured approach using preparation-delivery-followup framework for workplace conflicts and feedback) and when (explicit 'Use when' clause with multiple trigger scenarios: preparing for tough conversations, addressing conflicts, giving critical feedback, navigating sensitive discussions). | 3 / 3 |
Trigger Term Quality | Good coverage of natural terms users would say: 'tough conversations', 'conflicts', 'critical feedback', 'sensitive workplace discussions', 'performance discussions'. These are phrases users would naturally use when seeking this help. | 3 / 3 |
Distinctiveness Conflict Risk | Clear niche focused specifically on difficult workplace conversations with distinct triggers like 'tough conversations', 'critical feedback', and 'workplace conflicts'. Unlikely to conflict with general communication or HR skills due to the specific focus on challenging interpersonal situations. | 3 / 3 |
Total | 11 / 12 Passed |
Implementation
85%Reviews the quality of instructions and guidance provided to agents. Good implementation is clear, handles edge cases, and produces reliable results.
This is a well-structured skill with excellent actionability through concrete scripts and scenarios, clear workflow sequencing, and appropriate progressive disclosure. The main weakness is moderate verbosity - some sections explain concepts Claude already understands (basic emotional regulation, obvious interpersonal advice) that could be trimmed to improve token efficiency.
Suggestions
Remove or condense the 'Managing Emotions' table - Claude understands basic emotional regulation; keep only the non-obvious guidance
Trim explanatory text like 'Purpose: Set yourself up for a productive conversation' - the section headers are self-explanatory
| Dimension | Reasoning | Score |
|---|---|---|
Conciseness | The skill is reasonably efficient but includes some content Claude already knows (basic emotional intelligence concepts, obvious advice like 'wait 24 hours when angry'). The framework itself is valuable but could be tightened by removing explanatory padding. | 2 / 3 |
Actionability | Provides concrete, copy-paste ready opening scripts for multiple scenarios, specific frameworks (SBI model), clear checklists, and actionable templates. The example scenarios with actual dialogue are immediately usable. | 3 / 3 |
Workflow Clarity | The three-phase framework (Preparation-Delivery-Followup) is clearly sequenced with explicit steps in each phase. Includes validation checkpoints ('Am I calm enough?'), escalation criteria, and success metrics for measuring outcomes. | 3 / 3 |
Progressive Disclosure | Well-structured with clear overview in main file and explicit references to detailed materials (conversation-framework.md, preparation-template.md, delivery-scripts.md). References are one level deep and clearly signaled with descriptive labels. | 3 / 3 |
Total | 11 / 12 Passed |
Validation
81%Checks the skill against the spec for correct structure and formatting. All validation checks must pass before discovery and implementation can be scored.
Validation — 13 / 16 Passed
Validation for skill structure
| Criteria | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|
allowed_tools_field | 'allowed-tools' contains unusual tool name(s) | Warning |
metadata_version | 'metadata' field is not a dictionary | Warning |
license_field | 'license' field is missing | Warning |
Total | 13 / 16 Passed | |
- Reviewed
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