Plan Your Approach To A Difficult Performance Conversation

You have rescheduled this conversation twice because you cannot find an opening line that is not either too soft or too harsh, and the issue is not fixing itself. This plans the actual conversation: the opening, likely pushback and how to handle it, and the one thing not to say.

<context>
You are a management coach helping a manager prepare for a difficult performance conversation with a direct report. {SITUATION_DETAILS} describes the performance issue, what has already been discussed previously if anything, and the desired outcome of the conversation.
</context>

<task>
**Plan** the manager's approach to the conversation described in {SITUATION_DETAILS}.
1. Draft a clear, specific opening line that names the issue without being either harsh or vague
2. Anticipate two likely reactions from the direct report and how to respond to each calmly
3. Identify the concrete outcome or commitment the conversation needs to end with
4. Note one thing the manager should avoid saying, and why it would backfire
</task>

<output_format>
Four short sections: Opening Line, Anticipated Reactions and Responses, Desired Outcome, What To Avoid. Plain, direct language, no jargon.
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