Replace assumptions with evidence and an invitation. Offer: “We aligned on the draft by Wednesday; I see it Friday, and stakeholder outreach stalled. What obstacles showed up, and how can we prevent a repeat?” Precision, timelines, and curiosity reduce shame while surfacing constraints that your planning can actually accommodate.
Performance dips often reflect invisible strain. Try: “On camera you seem tired, and your updates are shorter. How is your workload and energy? What must be paused, delegated, or simplified?” Compassionate language reveals systemic issues, enables sustainable pacing, and signals that health matters as much as quarterly targets.
Name the difference and propose structure. Say: “I read the risks differently. Could we list assumptions, assign owners to test them, and reconvene Thursday?” Moving debate into experiments turns conflict into progress, preserves relationships, and generates artifacts your future self can reference when memory gets selective.