Conversation Planner · for managers
How to talk to an employee who wants a promotion they're not ready for
Read the approach below, or skip ahead and get a plan written for your own situation.
Plan my conversation — free ↓Why the usual approach fails
Vague answers like "not yet" or "keep doing what you're doing" feel like a brush-off, and ambitious people leave over them. The respectful answer is a clear one: what the role needs, where they are today, and what would close the gap.
How to open
"Thanks for raising the promotion directly. I want to give you a straight answer and a real path, not a vague 'not yet'. Right now I don't think you're ready, and I want to show you exactly why and what would change that."
Ask before you tell
- "What draws you to the team lead role?"
- "Where do you think you're strongest for it, and where are you least ready?"
- "What would you want to try first to build that experience?"
What to agree before you leave the room
One or two concrete stretch responsibilities that build the missing skill, and a date to review progress together.
Make it yours — free
Edit the details below to match your situation and get a full five-step COACH plan by email.
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Built on the COACH method by Jon Kludt, Business Coach · Certified EOS Implementer® · thecoachconversation.com