Difficult Conversations • Tactical Rehearsal
Supporting a Mid-Level Engineer Struggling to Focus
Moderate Difficulty10 minYour Role: Manager
Your Strategic Objective
Check in with care, open the door for support, and set gentle boundaries around impact
The High-Stakes Context
You’ve scheduled a private 1:1 to talk about the shift in behavior, without putting pressure on Eli to disclose more than he wants to.
Eli is a dependable engineer, but recently he’s been missing standups, slow to respond, and making uncharacteristic mistakes. When asked, he says he’s just tired — but it’s becoming a concern.
Anticipated AI Pushbacks (Curveballs)
Your counterpart is programmed to test your poise. Expect realistic objections like:
“It’s just been a lot outside of work — I’d rather not get into it.”
“I know I’ve slipped up. I’ll fix it, no need to worry.”
Suggested Opening Icebreaker
Unsure how to start? In the simulator, you can pre-fill or adapt this opener:
"Hey Eli — I wanted to check in. I’ve noticed a few things over the past couple weeks and just wanted to hear how you’re doing."
Competencies:#difficult#personal#performance#empathy#Calm#Respectful#Concerned#Patient
Counterpart Dossier
Eli Turner
AI PersonaMid-level engineer whose personal life is impacting work
Stance: guarded
Private Sandbox Instant Scorecard
Expensing through your team?Employer Pitch Template