They Think They've Earned a Promotion

They Think They've Earned a Promotion is the sixth conversation script in The Manager Conversation Playbook series. It's a complete, word-for-word framework for the promotion conversation that isn't going the way they hope — delivered honestly, instead of with a comfortable maybe that wastes their year.

This resource is for you if you're looking to:

• Say no to a promotion without losing your best person

• Explain a standard nobody ever actually taught them

• Tell the difference between "not yet," "no room," and "not here" — and handle each one right

Inside you'll find:

• Conversation prep

• Word-for-word manager scripts

• Responses to common employee reactions

• A three-part framework for figuring out which promotion conversation you're actually having

• Follow-up email template

• Documentation example

• HR expert tips and common mistakes to avoid

• One-page quick-reference card for the five minutes before you walk in

This is the sixth of eight conversation guides in the Manager Conversation Playbook series, designed to help managers lead with confidence — one conversation at a time.