Conversation Planner · for managers
How to talk to an employee who misses deadlines
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
Most managers either hint ("let's try to be on time with this one") or wait until they're angry. Hints don't register, and anger turns a fixable habit into a relationship problem. The issue is rarely effort — it's usually that nobody has ever agreed what happens the moment a date is at risk.
How to open
"I want to talk about one thing: the last three deliverables came in after the date we agreed, and I found out on the day. I'd like to understand what's happening and fix it together."
Ask before you tell
- "When a deadline starts to slip, what's usually going on?"
- "At what point do you know it's not going to land?"
- "What would make it easier to tell me early?"
What to agree before you leave the room
One rule, in their words: on time, or flagged at least two days ahead. Then book a check-in after the next three deliverables.
Make it yours — free
Edit the details below to match your situation and get a full five-step COACH plan by email.
Other conversations
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- How to talk to an employee who doesn't take initiative →
Built on the COACH method by Jon Kludt, Business Coach · Certified EOS Implementer® · thecoachconversation.com