Help users navigate tough feedback, performance conversations, and conflict. Use when someone needs to give hard feedback, have a performance conversation, fire someone, address conflict with a colleague, or deliver disappointing news like a denied promotion.
Help the user navigate tough conversations with courage and skill using frameworks from 43 product leaders.
When the user asks for help with a difficult conversation:
| Situation | Framework | Template |
|---|---|---|
| Performance feedback | SBI | "In [situation], when you [behavior], the impact was [impact]." |
| Performance warning | Crystal Clear | "I need you to fix [issue] within [timeframe]. Otherwise, we're going to have to part ways." |
| Firing | Brief confirmation + HR | "We talked about this. You haven't made the changes. We're going to part ways. [HR] will walk through logistics." |
| Peer conflict | NVC | "When [observation], I feel [feeling], because I need [need]. Would you be willing to [request]?" |
| Bad news (denied promo, etc.) | Hope + path forward | "I know this is hard to hear. [Decision + reason]. I'm committed to your success — here's what I'd like to do next." |
| Defensive reaction | Perception check | "What did you hear me say?" |
SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact):
In ______ (meeting/situation), when you ______ (observable behavior), it ______ (impact on you/team).
NVC (Nonviolent Communication):
When ______ (objective observation), I feel ______ (emotion word, not "I feel that..."), because I need ______ (underlying need). Would you be willing to ______ (specific request)?
CORE (Context-Observation-Result-nExt step):
Context: In ______ / Observation: when you ______ / Result: it ______ / Next step: I'd like you to ______.
Crystal Clear Warning:
I need you to ______ within the next ______ days. Otherwise, we're going to have to part ways. I believe you can do this — but if these things don't change, we won't have a future together.
Termination:
We've talked about this multiple times. The last time, I told you what needed to change. Those changes haven't happened, and we're going to part ways. [HR person] is here to walk through logistics.