Delivering bad news is an unavoidable part of leadership—but how you handle it defines your reputation. In a recent Follow Up article on the art of breaking tough news to stakeholders, I was asked to weigh in alongside other communications leaders. The bottom line? Transparency and empathy aren’t optional—they’re the whole strategy.
Here are a few takeaways from the piece:
- Be early, honest, and direct. Set expectations as soon as possible. “Rip the Band-Aid off,” as former FBI negotiator Chris Voss recommends, and avoid sugarcoating at all costs.
- Clarity builds trust. Whether the issue is a delayed timeline or a performance challenge, explain what happened, outline the path forward, and show you’re in it with them.
- Perspective matters. I emphasized the importance of active listening and real-life data when communicating tough news. Demonstrating understanding—through your words, actions, and accountability—helps stakeholders feel supported, not blindsided.
- Strong relationships are your safety net. As others shared, how bad news lands often depends on the strength of the relationship before it’s delivered. Consistent, empathetic communication makes all the difference.
Want more insights on communicating with clarity under pressure?
Read the full feature in Communications Intelligence here.
And if your team needs support navigating tough conversations or building long-term trust with stakeholders, Avenue Z’s communications experts are here to help. Let’s talk.
