(set: $trust to 0)
(set: $motivation to 0)
You are a newly promoted team leader.
One of your team members, Alex, has missed several deadlines.
Today, you will hold a one-on-one meeting.
Your goal: handle the conversation in a professional and supportive way.
[[Start the meeting|MeetingStart]](set: $trust to 0)
(set: $motivation to 0)
You sit down with Alex for the meeting.
How do you open the conversation?
[[“Your recent performance has been disappointing.”|DefensiveOpen]]
[[“I’d like to talk about how things have been going and how I can support you.”|SupportiveOpen]](set: $openingTone to "defensive")
(set: $trust to $trust - 1)
(set: $motivation to $motivation - 1)
Alex crosses his arms.
“I didn’t realize things were that bad.”
[[Continue|EmployeeReaction]](set: $openingTone to "supportive")
(set: $trust to $trust + 1)
(set: $motivation to $motivation + 1)
Alex relaxes slightly.
“Thanks… I know I’ve been struggling lately.”
[[Continue|EmployeeReaction]]Alex says:
“I’ve been overwhelmed and juggling too many tasks.”
How do you respond?
[[“You still need to meet expectations.”|BlameResponse]]
[[“Can you tell me more about what feels overwhelming?”|CuriousResponse]](set: $trust to $trust - 1)
You say:
“You still need to meet expectations.”
Alex becomes quiet and defensive.
[[Continue ->RootCause]](set: $trust to $trust + 1)
You say:
“Can you tell me more about what feels overwhelming?”
Alex explains the workload and looks relieved.
[[Continue ->RootCause]]How do you respond?
[[You need better time management.->BadCoaching]]
[[Let’s review your priorities together.->GoodCoaching]]
Current trust: (print: $trust)
Current motivation: (print: $motivation)
(if: $trust >= 3 and $motivation >= 1)[
[[See your outcome → PositiveEnding]]
]
(else-if: $trust < 0 or $motivation < 0)[
[[See your outcome → NegativeEnding]]
]
(else:)[
[[See your outcome → NeutralEnding]]
]Trust: (print: $trust)
Outcome:
Alex leaves feeling supported. You leave with a clear next step.
Why this happened:
(if: $openingTone is "supportive")[
You opened the meeting without pressure. Alex stayed open.
]
(else:)[
You started with tension, but your next choice rebuilt trust.
]
(if: $lastChoice is "good")[
You partnered on priorities. That signaled respect and shared ownership.
]
(else:)[
You recovered late. The conversation still landed well.
]
Do this next time:
Name the issue. Ask one question. Agree on one action. Set a check-in.
[[Try again->Start]]
[[Try a different response->RootCause]]NeutralEnding
Trust: (print: $trust)
Outcome:
The meeting ends politely, but Alex still feels unsure.
Why this happened:
(if: $openingTone is "defensive")[
Your opening raised tension. Alex guarded himself.
]
(else:)[
Your opening helped, but you did not lock in a plan.
]
(if: $lastChoice is "good")[
You sounded supportive, yet you ended too fast. Alex needed a concrete next step.
]
(else:)[
You pushed the blame. Alex disengaged, but he stayed civil.
]
Try this upgrade path:
Ask what blocks the work. Offer help with priorities. Agree on one deadline and one follow-up.
[[Try again->Start]]
[[Try a different response->RootCause]]NegativeEnding
Trust: (print: $trust)
Outcome:
Alex leaves feeling blamed or dismissed. Trust drops.
Why this happened:
(if: $openingTone is "defensive")[
You began with pressure. Alex shut down early.
]
(else:)[
You began fine, then your wording turned the talk into a judgment.
]
(if: $lastChoice is "bad")[
“You need better time management” labels the person. It skips context and support.
]
(else:)[
You tried to help, but the earlier tone already broke rapport.
]
Try this instead:
State the missed deadlines. Ask what got in the way. Offer a small plan you both agree to.
[[Try again->Start]]
[[Try a different response->RootCause]]Current trust: (print: $trust)
(if: $trust >= 2)[
[[See your outcome → PositiveEnding]]
]
(else-if: $trust >= 0)[
[[See your outcome → NeutralEnding]]
]
(else:)[
[[See your outcome → NegativeEnding]]
](unless: $trust is a number)[(set: $trust to 0)]
(unless: $motivation is a number)[(set: $motivation to 0)]
|hud>[Trust: (print: $trust)](set: $lastChoice to "bad")
(set: $trust to $trust - 1)
You say:
“You need better time management.”
[[Create an action plan|EndingGenerator]](set: $trust to $trust + 1)
You say:
“Let’s review your priorities together.”
[[Continue|PlanStep1]]Plan step 1: What do you focus on first?
[[Let’s list what’s on your plate this week.->PlanStep1List]]
[[Which tasks feel unclear or blocked?->PlanStep1Blocks]]
[[Let’s talk deadlines first.->PlanStep1Deadlines]]
[[This needs to stop.->PlanStep1Hard]](set: $trust to $trust + 1)
(set: $motivation to $motivation + 1)
Alex starts listing tasks. Their tone softens.
“Okay. That helps.”
[[Next->PlanStep2]]
(set: $trust to $trust + 1)
Alex points out unclear work and blockers.
[[PlanStep2]]
(set: $trust to $trust + 1)
You talk through deadlines and pressure points.
[[PlanStep2]]
(set: $trust to $trust - 2)
(set: $motivation to $motivation - 1)
Your tone becomes harsh. Alex shuts down.
[[Next->EndingGenerator]]Plan step 2: What commitment do you make together?
[[“Pick one priority for today. I’ll make time for it.” ]]
[[“Let’s set a quick check-in tomorrow.” ]]
[[“I’ll take one task off your list.” ]]
[[“I expect you to figure it out.” ]](set: $trust to $trust + 2)
(set: $motivation to $motivation + 1)
Alex feels supported and relieved.
[[See outcome ->EndingGenerator]](set: $trust to $trust + 1)
You agree on a quick follow-up.
[[See outcome ->EndingGenerator]](set: $trust to $trust + 1)
(set: $motivation to $motivation + 1)
You remove a task from Alex’s plate.
[[See outcome ->EndingGenerator]](set: $trust to $trust - 2)
Alex goes quiet and disengages.
[[See outcome ->EndingGenerator]]