When the user supplies the situation, goal, and likely reaction, prepare a complete brief for the conversation.
Variables
[TOPIC],[WHO],[WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY THIS CONVERSATION IS NECESSARY],[WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE],[HOW I EXPECT THEM TO RESPOND]
Prompt Template
I need to have a difficult conversation about [TOPIC] with [WHO — role, relationship].
Situation: [WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY THIS CONVERSATION IS NECESSARY] My goal: [WHAT I WANT TO ACHIEVE — not just what I want to say] Their likely reaction: [HOW I EXPECT THEM TO RESPOND]
Prepare:
- Opening statement (direct but empathetic — does not avoid the issue but does not attack the person)
- The core message in one sentence (what MUST be communicated regardless of how the conversation goes)
- How to handle defensiveness (specific responses to "that's not fair" / "you're wrong" / emotional reactions)
- How to listen actively (what questions to ask to understand their perspective)
- How to reach resolution (3 possible outcomes ranked from best to acceptable)
- Closing statement (summarizes agreement, preserves relationship, defines next steps)