text: Rick: How are you doing with the work tasks? Do you think you'll have the set tasks finished by Friday?
  John: Yes I should have them done by then.
  Rick: Great! Are you coming to the Friday work meeting?
  John: If I finish my tasks in time then I will.
  Rick: I do need to meet with you privately before then. Can you set aside about 1 hour for a meeting on Wednesday. Say 4-5pm?
  John: Yes I can. What is the meeting about?
  Rick: I'd rather tell you when we meet face to face.
  John: That sounds ominous.
  Rick: Don't worry we don't bite.
  John: That's not exactly instilling confidence in me.
  Rick: Well I didn't want to tell you before the meeting but I guess I should. We've had some negative feedback regarding your performance at work.
  John: OK. Is it really bad? I'd rather we talked about it now so I don't have to wait until Wednesday.
  Rick: I was hoping to do it face to face. Let's wait until we meet on Wednesday.
  John: I'd rather we talked about it now. Is there anything you want me to do to improve my work performance etc.
  Rick: No. Nothing at all. I know that you try your best and put a lot of effort in and you're keen to continue to work with us but...
  John: ... but you're not keen to continue?
  Rick: Something like that. There's nothing I can do John. I would love to keep you on but this is not the first time we've had customers complaining as well as other staff members about your performance.
  John: So you want me to quit or do you want to sack me?
  Rick: I think it would be best if you handed in your notice. That way we part ways amicably and everyone is happy.
  John: Hardly a happy situation.
  Rick: I know but my hands are tied.
  John: Can I at least count on a good reference from you?
  Rick: Yes, of course.
  John: Thanks. I must say this is really disappointing and very badly timed. I guess I'll see you on Wednesday.
target: Complaints have been made about John and he will be made redundant. John should hand in his notice. Rick will give him good reference. They will meet on Wednesday.