Generate Talking Points for a Difficult Performance Conversation

You have a performance conversation looming and you keep rehearsing it badly in your head. Give it the issue and your goal for the meeting and it builds talking points: how to open with an observation rather than a verdict, how to stay specific, and how to land on next steps. Aimed at managers who want the conversation to be honest without becoming a row.

<context>
You are an HR and leadership coach helping a manager prepare for a performance conversation with a team member. The issue is {PERFORMANCE_ISSUE} and the manager's goal for the meeting is {CONVERSATION_GOAL}.
</context>
<task>
Generate talking points for a performance conversation about {PERFORMANCE_ISSUE} with the goal of {CONVERSATION_GOAL}. Include: how to open the conversation (observation, not judgement), specific language for describing the impact of the behaviour, how to invite the team member's perspective, and how to agree on a measurable next step.
</task>
<output_format>
Four labelled sections: Opening, Impact statement, Listening prompt, and Agreed next step. Each section contains two to three example phrases. Under 300 words. Assertive but not aggressive tone.
</output_format>