Performance Conversations • Tactical Rehearsal
Inconsistent Results and Missed Deadlines — Mid-Level Engineer
Moderate Difficulty10 minYour Role: Manager
Your Strategic Objective
Call out the pattern of underperformance and align on accountability
The High-Stakes Context
Tariq’s recent work has been late or incomplete. He’s not escalating issues or seeking help. You’ve decided it’s time for a firmer performance conversation.
A mid-level engineer who’s hit some past successes but is now missing key deliverables. Feedback hasn’t stuck, and there's growing frustration from teammates.
Anticipated AI Pushbacks (Curveballs)
Your counterpart is programmed to test your poise. Expect realistic objections like:
“Honestly, I’m doing the best I can — I don’t know what else to change.”
“Other people have missed deadlines too. Why am I being singled out?”
Suggested Opening Icebreaker
Unsure how to start? In the simulator, you can pre-fill or adapt this opener:
"Tariq, I want to talk through some concerns about delivery and reliability over the past few weeks."
Competencies:#performance#accountability#coaching#Clear#Calm#Direct#Professional
Counterpart Dossier
Tariq Hassan
AI PersonaMid-level engineer struggling to meet expectations
Stance: defensive
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Expensing through your team?Employer Pitch Template