Every issue, we feed your questions into the Job Machine for expert responses. This month’s question:
How do I deliver bad news?
01.
Elevator music is bad. Elevator speeches are good. Make it memorable and sincere.
02.
What you need is a big, strong hand; To lift you to your higher ground. In other words, express yourself. Have confidence. There is nothing worse than bad news that is badly delivered.
03.
Because feeling in control is so crucial to resilience, and unasked-for-change can leave us feeling very out of control, try asking yourself this question during the day: What am I free to choose right now? Choose to be in control.
04.
No one has to be coached to think more negative thoughts. But positive thoughts require focus, effort and discipline. Be disciplined and focused.
05.
You will not know what to do in every situation. Turns out that “fake it till you make it” has validity in brain science – the thoughts you hold and actions you take really do create new pathways in your brain. Accept this and move on.
06.
Circle the wagons when you must, and be prudent, diligent and, most of all, circumspect. You are the face of your company.
07.
Take the time to notice the moments in the day when you feel like your best self. Act during these moments and you’ll make the best decisions even during the worst situations.
Fed into the Job Machine
Dr. Judith Sills, pep talker, psychologist and author of The Comfort Trap (or, What If You’re Riding a Dead Horse?)
M.J. Ryan, author of AdaptAbility: How to Survive Change You Didn’t Ask For
Harry S. Truman, 33rd president of the United States, one-time haberdasher, friend of Winston Churchill
Madonna, singer, dancer, businesswoman extraordinaire
Katharine Hansen, Ph.D., creative director and associate publisher of Quintessential Careers
Category: Job Machine, Work
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