7 Practical Manager Scripts

Manager Scripts for Difficult Workplace Conversations

Managers often know they need to deal with a problem, but they do not always know how to start the conversation.

This free RADvisory™ tool gives you seven practical scripts you can use as starting points.

What you get

1. Standards slipping

Use when: The work is still being done, but the standard is dropping.

Script: “I want to reset the standard before this becomes a bigger issue. The expectation is [standard]. Recently I have seen [specific example]. What is getting in the way, and what needs to change from today?”

2. Defensive employee

Use when: You raise feedback and the person reacts emotionally.

Script: “I am not raising this to attack you. I am raising it because the work needs to improve. Let us slow this down and look at the specific issue.”

3. Team conflict

Use when: Tension between people is starting to affect the work.

Script: “This tension is starting to affect the work. I want to understand the facts from both sides, then we will agree what needs to change going forward.”

4. Good employee going quiet

Use when: A strong employee has stopped contributing.

Script: “I have noticed you are quieter than usual. I do not want to assume why. Is there something unclear, blocked or unresolved that we should talk about?”

5. Authority being challenged

Use when: Someone challenges your role, decision or instruction in a way that derails the conversation.

Script: “You can disagree with the decision, but we still need to keep the conversation respectful and focused on the work. Let us deal with the issue directly.”