A teen daughter tells her parents she’s pregnant. An account executive tells his president he’s lost the firm’s biggest client. A truck driver tells his boss he’s just rolled a wheat truck off a 10-foot bank.
I’ve only been present for the last situation, but I know the other communication happens from time to time, and I know they’re not easy messages to deliver or receive.
Have you ever had to carry bad news to someone—a boss, your spouse, a parent or perhaps your board of directors?
What were your fears going in, and what response did you receive?
Now turn the tables. What if you were the boss, the spouse or the parent? Have you received stunning or disappointing news?
How did you respond?
Parents who respond with love and grace to the worst and most difficult of news often are the ones who can maintain a close relationship with their kids over time. Bosses who express acceptance and acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes usually are respected and appreciated by their staff. Board members who express understanding and support even while receiving bad news can foster wonderful camaraderie and mutual respect with the CEO.
These are the ones people want to please, like to work with and enjoy serving alongside.
I’m a stickler for quality and for doing things “right.” I acknowledge that at times that can make me a difficult parent or a tough boss. But deep down, I want my kids to know that I love them no matter what and to ensure staff that I am committed to their success.
How do you want to react when receiving surprising—and maybe even awful—news? I can assure you it’s helpful to prepare in advance, even to role-play in your mind, because in the heat of the moment you may need to draw from every ounce of preparation you’ve made ahead of time.
Have you had someone extend extraordinary grace and patience to you? What did that expression do for you? Have you shown the opposite: impatience, frustration, anger? Do you believe it’s possible to expect the highest quality and performance while still showing grace and understanding when inevitable bad news comes?