Prepare for a difficult feedback conversation

Plan a fair, specific conversation with an employee about a performance or behavior issue, including opening words, examples and an agreed next step.

The prompt

Help me prepare for a difficult conversation with an employee.

Role and how long they have worked here: [DETAILS]
The issue: [DESCRIBE THE BEHAVIOR OR RESULT, not their personality]
Specific examples with dates: [EXAMPLES]
The impact on customers, the team or the business: [IMPACT]
What I have already said or done about it: [HISTORY]
What good looks like going forward: [EXPECTATION]

Give me:
1. An opening of two or three sentences that is direct and kind.
2. How to describe the issue using the examples, without exaggerating.
3. Questions to understand their side (there may be a reason I do not know about).
4. How to agree on specific next steps and a check-in date.
5. How to respond if they get defensive, upset or go quiet.
6. A short follow-up summary email I can send afterwards to document what was agreed.

Replace every [BRACKETED] part with your own details before sending.

How to use it

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