Deliver bad news in a good way
As the title says I will be going through how to tell somebody bad news but in a way that is more effective and positive than just telling it straight. Doing it well is a sign of high emotional intelligence and leadership. I will also be going through the psychology of why it is hard to hear bad news but also why it can be equally as hard to tell the news to someone.
It is impossible to make bad news “feel” good. That isn’t the goal. But to deliver them with clarity, empathy and respect, preserving the dignity of the recipient and leaving them on a clear path forward is one of the best you can do.
People that do the delivering of the bad news often delay it to prepare themself on the discomfort they anticipate. You need to emphasize that waiting will only make it worse and the recipient may start to question their trust in you.
But for the one that is receiving. Usually they enter a state of high stress and defensiveness.
So how do you actually go about this? Well you need to first do some foreplay and afterplay after telling them.
First off, set the setting. Make sure there is enough privacy. Some sources say that a video call is good but personally i think that depending on what it is usually it is best to do it in person face to face. But do avoid texting or sending an email.
Secondly you need to find out how much they already know about the certain subject. Then you need to ask for their permission if they would like to know more or all of it.
Then at least but not last you tell them. Without as they say sugarcoating it, no more details than the actual truth.
After that you need to be there for them if that is what they want. Tell them reassuring
statements and react and respond to their emotional reaction. Show empathy.
Lastly, you need to show your support in the future. Ask if there is anything you can do to make them feel better.
Depending on the situation and how much you actually know you can tell them why the bad news are coming. And do this without placing blame on anyone or getting defensive yourself.
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