Managing Bad News Within Organizations
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Author: Ryan Smith
Delivering bad news within an organization might involve sharing bad news with your boss or another employee in person or in writing. Use a tactful tone and a reasons-first approach because these techniques will help preserve friendly relations. Determine whether you need to use a direct or an indirect strategy based on the anticipated reaction of your audience.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate answer.
You should when the person you need to deliver bad news to tends to respond by placing blame on the messenger.
Read the following scenario, and answer the following question.
You are the president of a company and have decided to relocate and take another leadership position.
What should you do when delivering the bad news to your organization? Check all that apply.
- Communicate the news openly
- Offer little explanation
- Let employee rumors communicate the news
- Offer a clear, sincere explanation
True or False: When refusing internal requests, it is a good idea to announce the bad news quickly, even if the news might be painful.
- True
- False
Felix is an administrative assistant for a classic car company specializing in Ford Mustangs. The manager of the shop asks him to proofread a message she is going to send to all employees.
Read the message, and answer the following questions.
To: All Employees
From: Anne Leller
Manager, Classic Car Restoration Inc.
Subject: Three Shelby Mustangs
You all have to work overtime next week because we must have the three 1965 Shelby Mustangs ready for Bruce Willis, one of our best clients.
We have to make sure to use all original engine parts and to add a top-of-the-line clear coat on all three cars. Additionally, the client purchased the original radios for each car, so we have to install those too.
I apologize for any inconvenience, but, unfortunately, I am unwilling to make exceptions to this request.
What critique can Felix make of the body of the letter?
- Provides no explanation
- Fails to reveal reader benefits
- Reveals confidential reasons
What error should Felix identify in the closing of the letter?
- Avoids using a subordinate clause to cushion the news
- Uses negative words
- Spotlights the bad news
