How to deliver bad news in company
Weladee
No one likes to be the bearer of bad news. It’s uncomfortable, stressful, and often, emotional. Feelings can get hurt. Jobs and money might be on the line. While you may not be the ultimate decision-maker—or even agree with the decision—the heavy burden of relaying the bad news to your team has fallen on your shoulders.
Great! Now what?
When it comes to bad news, it’s all about the delivery.
In general, sharing bad news follows a bit of a formula:
- Share the bad news
- Give context
- Ask if they have questions
- Give them time
- Listen
- Talk about the next steps
More specifically, there are a few do’s and don’t’s around how you deliver the bad news and provide that context. Again, it’s all about the delivery. If you’re trying to remain a neutral, clear, confident, and empathetic leader, don’t avoid eye contact. If you’re crying or fidgeting, you are sending mixed signals.
Here is what you should do:
- Prepare ahead of time
- Practice what you’ll say
- Get to the point
- Speak clearly and with confidence
- Be transparent
- Provide context
- Give time and space for questions
- Listen
- Be empathetic
- Share constructive next steps
Here are a few things to avoid when delivering bad news:
- Sugar-coating the news
- Unnecessary preamble
- Using too much jargon or confusing business-speak
- Leaving room for confusion or false hopes
- Over promising
- Picking sides
- Avoiding responsibility
- Blaming others or getting defensive
Let’s put some of this into action with our example from earlier.
This is your opportunity to step up as a leader. It’s time to inspire and motivate your employees and encourage them to continue to work hard, regardless of the crappy situation at hand.
Give them time and space to consider your input. Once they’re up for it, follow up with any actionable next steps. Together, you and your employees can brainstorm ways to overcome the hurdle that triggered the bad news in the first place.
ในภาษาไทย วิธีการแจ้งข่าวร้ายในบริษัท