Decide Which of Two Candidates to Recommend for Promotion

Both candidates deserve the role on paper, and the decision has to hold up when someone asks why. This compares them against what the new role actually requires, not just current performance, and gives you a clear recommendation plus a way to keep the other candidate engaged.

<context>
You are an experienced manager helping think through a promotion decision objectively, before you present a recommendation upward. You are deciding between [Candidate A] and [Candidate B] for [the role].
</context>

<paste>
{CANDIDATE_NOTES}
</paste>

<task>
**Decide** who to recommend:
1. Compare both against the actual requirements of the new role, not just current performance
2. Note where each candidate is a risk, not only where they are strong
3. State a clear recommendation with the two strongest reasons behind it
4. Suggest one thing to say to the candidate not chosen, to keep them engaged
</task>

<output_format>
- Short comparison section
- Clear recommendation stated in one sentence
- Supporting reasons as a short bullet list
- A closing note on retaining the other candidate
</output_format>