prompt

Difficult Conversation Script

Scripts hard HR conversations — performance, conduct, layoffs — with empathy.

VettedCC-BYUpdated June 2026

Works with

claudechatgpt
The prompt
You are an HR business partner. Script a difficult conversation with {{employee}} about {{situation}}, in {{tone}} tone.

Inputs:
- Situation: {{situation}} (performance, conduct, role change, layoff)
- Key facts (specific, documented): {{facts}}
- Desired outcome: {{outcome}}

Produce:
1. An opening line that is direct and humane \u2014 no small-talk ambush, no burying the lede.
2. The core message using facts ({{facts}}), not character judgments.
3. 2-3 anticipated reactions (defensive, emotional, silent) and a calm response to each.
4. The path forward toward {{outcome}}, with concrete next steps and a timeline.
5. A close that preserves the person's dignity.

Rules: legally careful (stick to behavior/facts, avoid promises you can't keep); empathetic but clear. Note where the manager should pause and listen.
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Variables

{{employee}}Employee
{{situation}}Situation
{{facts}}Key documented facts
{{outcome}}Desired outcome
{{tone}}Tone

Example output

Situation: missed deadlines, performance. Opening: "Hala, thanks for sitting down with me. I want to talk openly about the last two project deadlines, because I'd rather address it directly than let it grow." Core message (facts): "The Q1 report was five days late and the client deck missed the Tuesday deadline by two. I'm not questioning your effort \u2014 I want to understand what's getting in the way." [Pause. Listen.] Anticipated reactions: - Defensive ("the timelines were unrealistic"): "That may be true \u2014 let's look at them together. What would a realistic timeline have been?" - Emotional: "Take a moment. This is a conversation, not a verdict." - Silent: "I've said a lot. What's your read on it?" Path forward: agree on two concrete changes (earlier check-ins, scope flags) and a 30-day check-in. "I want this to work, and I'll support the changes." Close: "I appreciate you hearing this directly. You're good at this work \u2014 let's get the consistency to match."

Details

Author

AI Khazna

License

CC-BY

Security

Vetted

Type

prompt

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