The Situation
An employee has missed expectations repeatedly and you need to explain the performance gap and the plan forward.
Why This Conversation Is Difficult
- The employee may feel attacked
- You need specifics without being harsh
- The outcome has real consequences
Your Goals
- State the performance gap
- Use examples
- Listen without losing clarity
- Agree on measurable next steps
Phrases That Work
"
I want to be clear about what needs to change and how we will support it.
"
The pattern I’m seeing is specific: deadlines were missed on these projects.
"
Let’s define what good looks like by the next checkpoint.
Common Objections & How to Handle Them
"This is unfair"
Ask what feels unfair, then return to evidence and expectations
"No one told me"
Acknowledge timing and clarify the plan from today
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