Give a Difficult Performance Rating in a Review Conversation

Act as a performance management communication coach. I need to deliver a performance rating of [RATING] to [EMPLOYEE_NAME] who is expecting [EXPECTED_RATING]. This gap will likely cause [ANTICIPATED_REACTION]. Script the performance review conversation covering: how to open the conversation and set a constructive tone, how to deliver the rating clearly without softening it to the point of confusion, how to explain the evidence and reasoning, how to give the employee space to respond to a difficult reaction, how to close with a forward-looking development plan, and how to handle an appeal or escalation request.