01
Build the observation log
Turn memory into dated, specific, impact-linked evidence.
Made for Engineering Managers
Prepare for a Difficult Performance Conversation
30 min
Engineering Manager
Get Promoted
Structure a fair, evidence-based performance conversation with clear next steps.
We'll use them to write your prompt.
Completed ✓
Make Your Play
Give us the situation. We’ll build the prompt.
Managers who prepare specific examples and expectations reduce defensiveness and improve follow-through.
Your answers save as you type.
What you'll do
This is the plan inside your prompt. Add your details first. Then follow these steps with ChatGPT or Claude.
02
Draft the conversation arc
Structure opening, feedback, listening space, and expectations.
03
Define success and follow-up
Make next steps measurable so the conversation doesn't evaporate.
Make Your Play
Prepare for a Difficult Performance Conversation
Tell us what the prompt needs to know
Start with the questions below. Each answer personalizes the playbook and builds the prompt you’ll use at the end.
Your situation
Your role, their role/tenure, and how long you have managed them.
Specific incidents with dates, what happened, and impact.
0/10000
What "good" looks like in the next 30-60 days.
0/10000
Coaching, workload changes, or prior feedback given.
0/10000
How serious this conversation is.
This playbook was updated. Review your inputs before copying.
What you'll do
Check a step when you finish it.
01
Build the observation log
Turn memory into dated, specific, impact-linked evidence.
02
Draft the conversation arc
Structure opening, feedback, listening space, and expectations.
03
Define success and follow-up
Make next steps measurable so the conversation doesn't evaporate.
Fill in the fields above to generate your prompt preview.
Assembled prompt
Use this when
You need to address underperformance, missed expectations, or behavioral concerns within two weeks.
You'll need
- Role and relationship
- Performance gap with dated examples
- Desired behavior change
- Support already offered
- Conversation stakes
You'll get
- At least three documented examples, a conversation script, and a follow-up checkpoint scheduled with a summary email draft.
By the end of this playbook
You will have:
- At least three documented examples, a conversation script, and a follow-up checkpoint scheduled with a summary email draft.
Progress 1 of 3