They say
“If I’m not promoted, I’m leaving.”
Your response
“I understand that this may affect whether you stay. I’ll give you a clear answer about the role and timing, but the decision still has to be based on the role’s requirements. Then you can decide what that means for you.”
First, check this
Was the promotion decision reached through clear, job-related criteria, or are you now tempted to change it mainly to avoid losing the employee?
Why this works
The employee is entitled to decide whether staying still makes sense. The manager is responsible for making a sound promotion decision, not for preventing that choice at any cost. A clear answer respects both. It avoids a rushed promise that may be unfair to others, impossible to honor, or unsupported by the role. If the process was weak, the manager still needs to correct it rather than hide behind the ultimatum.
Don’t say
“Threatening to leave proves you’re not ready.”