Delivering Bad News

February 13, 2012 at 1:10 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment
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Unfortunately every leader faces the challenge of delivering bad news to their team at one time or another.  It may range from budget cuts, to wage freezes, to layoff announcements.  While no leader enjoys having to share negative news, it is important to recognize the significance of handling these challenging messages.  By avoiding dealing with these topics head-on, you run the risk of undermining the trust that you’ve established with your team.  The key is to be as open and transparent as possible, while also maintaining your composure and objectivity.  While you may also be frustrated and upset, it is crucial to remember your role as a leader in presenting the information to your staff.

  1. Background - Set the stage for your message by outlining some of the factors that have led up to the decision.  Provide a general overview in a straightforward and logical manner.
  2. Action – Clearly articulate the changes that are going to occur as a result of the current situation.  While you may not have all the details yourself, your team needs to know that you’re sharing as much as you can.  Be as explicit with your staff as possible in answering the question “What does this mean for them?”
  3. Next Steps – Describe the timeline associated with the change and when certain milestone events will be occurring.  Your team will be looking to you to offer a sense of clarity and direction in navigating this bad news, so be ready to give them as much structure as possible.

While this is a frustrating time for everyone involved, remember that you’ve had time to think about and plan for this “bad news” message.  Your staff may be hearing this information for the first time.  Be aware that it may take some time for the information to sink-in, so give your team plenty of time to reflect on the news and ask whatever questions are necessary to make sure that they understand what you’re trying to convey.

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