by Rick Baker
On Mar 16, 2010
Initially, I wanted to title this blog, ‘I have some bad news for you’.
I remembered the experiment we did last year. It proved people read ‘good news’ communications twice as much as they read ‘bad news’ communications. So, I used the ‘good news’ title.
[I offer that as a little communication tip.]
Also, I really don’t have bad news.
I just want to share some thoughts on how to deliver bad news.
These are not my thoughts. I am relaying a summary of Jill Malleck’s thoughts.
I had the pleasure of attending Jill’s presentation at our Centre For Family Business meeting last month.
www.cffb.ca
Jill provided a great presentation. She also provided books. A number of names were drawn and I was fortunate to have my name drawn. Jill wrote a nice note in my book and signed it for me. So, ‘Epiphanies @ Work’ will have a place in my library of author-autographed books. [that library – well, that’s another story]
Here is an introduction to some of Jill’s thoughts…
Delivering Tough Messages
- Plan what you will say
- Increase your credibility
- Think ahead about the receiver’s likely questions or concerns
- But don’t assume the worst
- Accept emotions with empathy and neutrality
- Allow the receiver to digest the message
- Don’t take it personally
Good advice!
I particularly like 3 followed by 4. Thinking about the possible reactions people could have when they receive tough messages is not pessimistic. It is realistic. It is prudent. It is the decent thing to do. Assuming people will have the worst reactions would be pessimistic. That’s not a healthy way to think.
More on communication in future blogs…