Prepare a conversation

Predictability-Strength Conversations

An invitation that starts with what is fixed, with the questions shared in advance.

A conversation without an agenda forces the other person to guess: what is expected of me? An invitation in writing, with what is fixed and the questions in advance, takes the guessing away. On the right you can see the message take shape, with a check on wording that might unsettle.

When to use it

  • A conversation about work causes tension
  • I want to know how a team member works best
  • I want to give feedback

Tip

Read the message out loud and ask yourself one question: how does this read if you already feel you are in trouble?

What you fill in

  • Team member's name
  • Your name
  • What kind of conversation is it?
  • Topic
  • What is fixed?
  • Why this conversation?
  • Questions you share in advance
  • When
  • How long
  • Where or how
  • Room to respond in writing first
  • Offer to talk side by side or on a walk

The tool runs in your browser. Nothing you type is saved or sent anywhere.

Example result

Made with the example in the tool. With your own details you get your own version, ready to copy.

Hi [name], I would like to arrange a conversation with you about your working agreements on office days and working hours. It is a check-in: we look together at how things are going. Nothing needs to be decided. What is fixed: Your agreements stay in place. We are only looking together at whether they still work for you. Why this conversation: We agreed to go through this together every six months. There is no particular reason, it is simply our regular moment. These are the questions I would like to talk through with you: • What helps you most in the current agreements? • Is there anything that could work better? • Is there anything you need from me? When: Tuesday 17 November at 10am, about 30 minutes, in a quiet meeting room, or online if you prefer. You do not need to have answers ready straight away. Would you rather respond in writing first, or answer a question later? That is absolutely fine. Best wishes, [your name]