bad news

You've probably heard or read about yet more bad news for jobs in the last week. There is no way, things out there for employers and employees as hard and will probably continue at such short notice. Sooner or later you will encounter in the workplace for the bad news, and if you are making progress in your career and in charge of a group of people is the work of communication, will the bad news that others fall on your shoulders. This week we continue with our tips to ensure that the disclosure of bad news at work a little less painful for everyone involved.

• Speed and consistency are crucial: If you have bad news, you can not rely on trickle-down strategy for communication is to spread the word - has a plan to get a uniform and consistent message to all relevant persons in the organization as soon as possible when breaking news. The last thing you want is to delay feeding rumors and speculation.
• A little compassion goes a long way: you're probably tired of the bearer of bad news, and very much regret the circumstances that make it necessary. But the pressure yesterday on the bad news just a mask. Let it not. Show your empathy with people and tell them that you are not sorry about a situation, a recognition of guilt or responsibility. It only shows that you are interested.
• The responses have, or be prepared to receive them, be prepared to answer the obvious questions ... what, why, when, where, who and what type questions, which are required, at the forefront of people's minds when they learned the news. As many as possible of the information may be important for them, as you can. If you do not have access to all relevant information to be honest about it, but aimed at the information you need, when you can get. Lack of information can undermine confidence and lead to the worst possible time low tide.
• Tailor the message to your audience: Think about your audience and design your message to their specific needs in a given situation to face. The disclosure of bad news for customers will require a different set of information in a different way of delivered items that communicates the same message to your employees. Different groups are likely to have, to varying issues, their reactions driven by a different priority.
• Highlight Limits: Be sure to tell all, the company is doing to minimize the effects of bad news.
• In black and white: you can always write bad-news communication, even if you deliver them orally. To find without a script, it is too easy to make a mistake with the numbers to make fudge important details or unrealistic promises.
• Keep your word: If you say that you should give everyone an update on Monday morning ready with an update on Monday morning. If the information you had hoped for is not available, say so ... an update. Remember, the broken promises to make bad news even worse, and only undermine your credibility.
• If things better ... People say that when it turns, and the message is better not to forget and to communicate the positive usage share. A project is completed, a new order is a short work-week, full-time job back work, new jobs. Whatever it is, you should see the message, share and celebrate the winter solstice.