Rule of thumb: If you’re delivering big bad news, schedule two meetings. At the first meeting, you’re presenting the review, not the objectives. They’re going to want to know about compensation and you’re going to want to say it, but don’t. The moment you say “No increase,” the review is over, the employee is pissed, and you’re going to be on the defensive. The meeting has become a mental fight and fights only prove who can punch harder. It’s the second meeting where everyone involved has had time to digest the review. You
