Conversation Planner · for managers
How to talk to an employee whose personal problems are affecting work
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
Managers either avoid the subject because it feels too personal or dig for details they don't need. You don't have to solve their life or know the full story. You need to show you care, be clear about the work, and agree what's realistic for now. You're not their counsellor; HR or your employee assistance program can be.
How to open
"I know things have been hard outside work lately, and I'm not going to ask for details you don't want to share. I wanted to check how you're doing, and talk about how we handle work for the next few weeks."
Ask before you tell
- "How are you doing, really?"
- "What's hardest about work right now?"
- "What would make the next few weeks more manageable?"
What to agree before you leave the room
A realistic short-term plan — what can wait, what can't, any support available — and a date to check in again. If it sounds serious, point them to HR or your employee assistance program.
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