When to use it
Use it when you've asked for a raise or promotion and the answer is no. Acknowledge it, then ask what would need to happen for a yes within a set time. You come away with clear goals and a date to revisit, instead of a dead end.
Example
Manager: “We can't do the promotion this cycle.”
You: “I understand. What would need to be true for this to happen in six months?”
Manager: “Leading one project end to end would do it.”
In an email or Slack message
Confirm the conversation in writing: “Thanks for talking it through. My understanding: if I lead a project end to end, we'll revisit the promotion in six months.”