The workplace is like a battlefield, and every decision and action can be a turning point in your future. And among the many operations, the moment of reporting bad news to the leader is often the most sensitive and dangerous.
The following is a strategy to get out of the way when reporting bad news, if you can keep it in mind and use it properly, you will naturally receive the good effect of "turning big things into small things".
1. Privately, reduce the impact
The first rule of thumb for reporting bad news is to choose the right time and place. Being in public will only escalate the problem, embarrassing the leader, and you may be the target of public criticism. If someone with bad intentions falls into the trap, then your future is very worrying. Conversely, private communication minimizes the impact and gives the leader time to digest the information, while also giving you room for explanation and justification, which would otherwise be exploited by the villain.
Private communication is a protective mechanism that not only protects the face of the leader, but also your image. This strategy shows your sophistication and respect for your leadership, and at the same time it also gives you the initiative to resolve your personal crisis.
2. Prepare a plan and make amends
Before reporting bad news, you must prepare one or more solutions and not leave the difficult problem to the leader. By doing so, you will not only demonstrate your forward-thinking and problem-solving skills, but also establish yourself as a reliable advisor in the minds of leaders.
When leaders hear bad news, their primary concern is how to turn the situation around and how to make up for the losses. Your solution reduces the risk of you being implicated by shifting the leader's focus from the problem itself to solving the problem.
Coming up with a solution is a very aggressive defense strategy. Not only does it ease the anxiety of leaders, but it also shifts the focus of the conversation. By demonstrating your extraordinary problem-solving skills, you can divert the leader's attention from the bad news, while also increasing your value in the leader's mind, and maybe even turning the tide into a blessing.
3. Psychological comfort, take care of emotions
When reporting bad news, the leader's mood can be greatly affected, and there is even the possibility of an outbreak of thunderous anger. At this time, you need to demonstrate an understanding of the leader's emotions and a concern for the leader's personal interests. This is not to say that you are to make excessive personal concessions, but rather to demonstrate your emotional worth while remaining professional.
In the workplace, emotional management is equally important. Leaders are human beings, and their mood swings can affect decision-making and affect those around them. By providing subtle psychological comfort, you will not only be able to help leaders recover faster from bad news, but you will also be able to deepen your relationship in the process. This deep connection may bring you more opportunities and support in the future, and even give you the possibility of becoming a leader confidant.
4. Change the conversation and look to the future
Immediately after reporting the bad news and offering a solution, you need to immediately and subtly shift the conversation and direct the leader's attention to the future. You can appropriately talk about a little good news, or discuss some upcoming projects and opportunities.
Shifting the subject is an effective communication strategy that can help you steer the conversation and avoid dwelling too much on negative topics. By looking to the future, you can help leaders see a broader perspective and thus focus less on current issues.
Reporting bad news is a challenging task in the workplace. But with the above four strategic steps, you can effectively avoid being implicated, and maybe even gain more trust and support from your leaders. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Through these strategies, you will be able to be more relaxed and comfortable in the workplace.
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