The moment

It's review week at a logistics company in Singapore. Eric had a strong year and quietly hoped for the top rating. His manager, Ananya, opens with praise, and then the rating is one step lower than he expected. He could argue. Listen for how he turns the disappointment into a plan, and how he raises pay without making it a fight.

The conversation

AnanyaEric
  1. Ananya
  2. Eric
  3. Ananya
  4. Eric
  5. Ananya
  6. Eric
  7. Ananya
  8. Eric
  9. Ananya
  10. Eric
  11. Ananya
  12. Eric
  13. Ananya
  14. Eric

Words to know

the reason something didn't go higher or further

delay something because other things feel more urgent

become late, especially a deadline

a short meeting to see how something is going

Check yourself

1Why didn't Eric get the top rating?
2What does "That's fair" tell Ananya?
3What happens with Eric's question about pay?

Practice · 3 min

Round one: repeat every line. Round two: mute Eric and respond to the rating in your own words: accept it, ask a question, offer a plan. Round three: mute Ananya and practice giving the news kindly but clearly. Notice that Eric raises pay only after the feedback part is settled.

  1. AnanyaLet's start with the good news. The warehouse project was excellent work.
  2. EricThanks. I'm proud of it, and I couldn't have done it without the night shift.
  3. AnanyaEveryone noticed. Your overall rating this year is meets expectations.
  4. EricOh. Honestly, I was hoping for exceeds. Can I ask what held it back?
  5. AnanyaMainly the monthly reports. Four of them came in late this year.
  6. EricThat's fair. I tend to push reports aside when the floor gets busy.
  7. AnanyaI understand why, but finance plans their whole week around those numbers.
  8. EricThat's helpful to hear. What would good look like for next year?
  9. AnanyaEvery report on time, and a quick warning if one's going to slip.
  10. EricI can do that. I'll block Friday mornings for reporting from now on.
  11. AnanyaGreat. And the project will be in your file for the promotion round.
  12. EricThanks. While we're here, I'd like to talk about my compensation too.
  13. AnanyaOf course. Salaries are reviewed in March, so let's prepare for that together.
  14. EricPerfect. Could we put a check-in on the calendar in January, then?

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.