How to report bad news, and the man did not do worse

Nobody likes to bear the bad news, but sometimes there is no choice. Follow simple rules and make the process less painful for both sides.

Get ready to talk

Write down the main points that have to be said. If you are worried, rehearse. Of course, to read it in advance harvested a piece of paper is not necessary, but better to think the conversation plan and anticipate potential problems. During the call, be calm, but not indifferent.

Select a suitable place and time

Practicing psychotherapist Amy Morin writes5 Mistakes to Avoid When You're Delivering Bad NewsThat the environment is important. Therefore, choose a place where no one will disturb. If the news suggests the subsequent discussion, highlight a bit of time to answer the questions of the interlocutor or just to listen to him. Report bad news casually in a crowded and noisy space - not the best solution.

Bad news in person

Leave via messenger or inform dismissal in an email - a sign of disrespect to the other party. This applies to more sad news, such as illness or tragedy. Because if you have the opportunity to meet in person, use it.

Speak softly, but directly and honestly

Do not try to hide the unpleasant truth. Amy Morin believes that the manifestation of excessive softness not benefit. For example, laying off an employee, do not tell him that he is not to blame and perfectly perform their duties, if in fact it is not. Gently explain to him the real reason and not force to think out why such a fine worker, he was asked to leave.

Besides, most people preferBad news first: How optimal directness depends on what is negated honesty, if they are to get negative information. If you are too soft, people will start to suspect that something was wrong and jitter. Why did it once again torment? Speak directly.

Watch your tone

The tone of your message is playedDisplaying Fairness While Delivering Bad News: Testing the Effectiveness of Organizational Bad News Training in the Layoff Context important role. Sloppy presentation of information will cause a backlash, so take the time to politely explain to the person what is wrong, and be very objective.

Do not pour water

Do not beat around the bush, before moving on to the point. Do not waste time on empty talk interlocutor weather or exchange rates - you called it not for this. In addition, it may puzzle the protracted meaningless chatter: he will think that all you need from it, and why is he here? Instead, politely greet, express regret and say what they wanted. It's not about to deal a body blow to the threshold of the unfortunate news and shake. Preface may be, but it is far from the subject do not go away.

provide facts

The interlocutor can take what you say too emotional. So be prepared to explain why it happened. It all depends on the individual case and the topics on which you speak, but if you can give a reason - do it. Let people see the situation completely, will be informed and come to conclusions that will be useful to him in the future. Just do not get excited, try to maintain a neutral position.

Do not ask for sympathy from the interlocutor

Most likely, all the anger and resentment will pour out on the person who reported the bad news. Even if nothing from you in a particular situation does not depend. Do not abuse the phrase "Imagine how hard for me to talk about it!" Or "Do you think I was given it's easy?" - so you risk angering the man even more. Amy Morin advises to prepare for the different reactions of the interlocutor and try to take it, but do not stoop to insults.

show concern

Learn how people took the news. empathize, Supported but not cough up simulated emotions: Sincerity is the most important.

Offer to help

If you can do something to help - tell me about it. If the other party accepts the offer, take it with full responsibility: he has a problem, and maybe you - the only source of support.