Delivering bad news always sucks!
It’s one of the most challenging tasks in leadership, especially for women who often face additional hurdles in professional settings.
Whether informing an employee about job termination or discussing budget cuts with your team, how we deliver these messages can significantly impact morale and outcomes.
Why is Delivering Bad News Difficult?
I hate delivering bad news because it might hurt feelings, be taken personally, or paint me as a villain. However, the real reason often boils down to discomfort.
My Tip for Delivering Bad News?
Prepare Thoroughly
Preparation is crucial when delivering bad news.
Do.
Not.
Wing.
It!
And do not overthink it, either.
Real-World Example
I’ve done this wrong by trying to minimize the blow, but that never felt authentic and honest. After a few icky attempts as a new leader, I had a new opportunity to practice doing it right.
I had to inform my team that part of our department was going to be terminated due to budget constraints.
Knowing this news would be a blow, I prepared by writing out two things:
1. How Would They Feel:
- “You might feel like this decision undervalues your hard work.”
- “You’re probably thinking this is the worst news you could hear right now.”
- “You might even wonder if there’s any point in continuing to put in your best effort.”
When we met, I slowly went through each point above, pausing to let each one sink in. By addressing their potential thoughts upfront, I softened the blow and showed empathy for their situation.
2. Open-ended Thought-Provoking Questions:
- “What do you think our next steps should be?”
- “How do you envision we move forward from here?”
- “What can I do to help you succeed in your next assignment?”
This approach made them feel valued and opened the door for a productive conversation about their future contributions to the company.
I’m not going to lie. It doesn’t matter how good you prep.
Delivering bad news will never be comfortable.
However, by acknowledging how they feel and allowing them to share their thoughts on a potential solution will make this leadership task more palatable.
With love, Mari Carmen
