Difficult Conversation Planner

Helps a member prepare for a hard conversation at work, such as raising workload, a conflict, a complaint, a salary request or a report to HR, with clear facts, a calm opening and a planned outcome.

What you will need

What is the conversation about?: This shapes the tips you see.
What happened? Stick to facts: when, where, what was said or done (text): Leave out guesses about why the person did it.
What would a good outcome look like? (text): For example 'clear priorities each Monday' or 'the comments stop'.
How has this affected you or the work? (text): More detail.
Do you feel unsafe, threatened or harassed by this person? (yes/no): More detail. If yes, you do not have to speak to them directly.
How might the other person see it? (text): More detail.
What will you do if it does not go well? (text): More detail. For example speak to HR, union or use the grievance procedure.

How it works

IF feel_unsafe == yes OR conversation_type == bullying or harassment THEN switch to 'report mode': do not suggest a direct conversation; build an incident summary (date, place, what happened, witnesses, evidence, impact) and a short script for reporting to HR, a trusted manager, union or the designated person in the harassment policy; show GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428 if sexual harassment is selected and 'If you are in danger right now, call SAPS 10111 or 112 from a mobile'. ELSE build a conversation plan: opening line = 'I would like to talk about [topic] because I want [shared goal].'; fact statement = 'When [facts], [impact].'; request = 'Could we [desired_outcome]?'; two listening questions ('How do you see it?', 'What would help from your side?'); a closing = agree one action and a follow-up date; reminder to confirm in writing afterwards. IF conversation_type == salary or promotion THEN add a prompt to list evidence of contribution and market information from reliable sources. Always add: choose a private, calm time; breathe slowly before starting; it is fine to pause and continue later.

What you get

Your conversation plan or report summary
Your opening sentence
Follow-up message to send afterwards

What it means

Your safety comes first, so this plan helps you report rather than confront.
Knowing what you want to change makes the conversation shorter and clearer.
You are prepared; staying with the facts and one clear request gives the best chance of progress.

Next step: Want help interpreting this? Talk it through with your EAP counsellor, or with your union or a labour attorney for formal complaints.

Runs on the device. Nothing is saved unless the member chooses.