No one likes to hear bad news.
Maybe that's why many of us don't like to give it (I know I don't).
But problems happen...
so does failure...
things don't work according to plan...
and someone has to deliver the bad news.
If you are involved and have responsibility - that means you.
But we procrastinate!
Why?
1. Maybe we are afraid of the "shoot the messenger" syndrome.
2. Maybe we hope that somehow, magically, the bad news will go away, that things will improve.
3. Maybe we hope that the bad news will leak out and get around without "me" being the messenger.
4. Maybe we are afraid of looking bad by being associated with the bad news.
*******
If you are responsible for the bad news being bad news... DEFINITELY, you are the messenger and the sooner you say it the better. But go in a plan about what to do about the bad news. When you talk about it, do so in clear, concise, language. Don't blame, spin, excuse, rationalize and so on. That makes you look bad. Maintain a strong, problem solving presence.
If you are not responsible, but you are involved, help the one who is responsible process what to do with the bad news and how to deliver the report. (See the guidance in the above note.)
If you know about bad news, but are neither responsible for it and not even involved, then just find out what appropriate action is on your part. And be responsible as best you can.
I love the business card for this Don't Shoot the Messenger courier service.
Brian K. Rice
Leadership ConneXtions International
www.lci.typepad.com
