Telling a high performer there is no promotion this cycle
A strong report expects a promotion, and the cycle closed without one for them.
Strategy
Lead with the outcome, not the process. Then give them something real: what changes, what you will do, and by when. A no with no plan reads as a no forever.
How this one opens
You're not moving up this cycle.
This is the first line of the full script for this exact situation.
What usually happens next
Most likely: composure in the room and a real risk they start interviewing that week.
One thing not to say
It just wasn't your year
You are seeing a piece of this script. 5 parts are written in full.
The rest of the opening, the full pushback path, everything to avoid, and the follow-up message — written for this situation.
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