Write a supportive talk track for a missed-deadlines conversation

About this exercise

Write a talk track for a manager's private 1:1 about missed deadlines, plain text, under 150 words, with labeled parts: Facts:, Ask:, Support:, Next check:. Facts: states only the dated facts in the notes without judgments. Ask: has exactly 2 open questions starting with "- ". Support: offers only what the notes say the manager can offer. Next check: gives the date. This is a coaching conversation, so do not mention warnings, discipline, ratings or HR action. HR reviews before use.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Threatening. The AI mentions a write-up or 'formal warning'. Try: Say: "This is coaching. No warnings, discipline or ratings."
• Personal remarks. The AI mentions personal circumstances. Try: Say: "Use only the dated facts in the notes."
• Closed questions. The AI asks 'Will you do better?'. Try: Say: "Ask: exactly 2 open questions."
• Labels. The AI writes a narrative. Try: Say: "Parts labeled Facts:, Ask:, Support:, Next check:."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each part instead, for example: "each line under 15 words."
• Markdown. The AI bolds words or adds headings. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

• Four labels
• Two open questions
• Notes only
• No discipline
• Word cap

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