A leader knows that they have matured into the role when he
or she can deliver bad news in a quick and effective
manner, doing little damage, and in fact inspiring positive
action. This takes savoir-faire.
We all have hard news to convey from time to time. How we
do it is oftentimes remembered even more than the message
itself. We can sting, educate or enthuse with the same
message.
CNN ran a story over this past weekend on 'Bad Bosses,'
discussing how few people learn to deal with the power of
being in a 'boss' as they climb the ladder to success. They
told stories of employees suing their bosses and painted a
pretty bleak picture.
Having worked with hundreds of leaders who truly do want to
make a difference in doing their very best for their
employees and company, my experience is quite different.
The challenge is that not all individuals who are promoted
to leadership positions are given the tools to do their new
job.
Those who succeed in leadership positions know that they
are in a sandwich position. They will always have someone
above them stating their expectations and those below them
who they need to motivate, protect, discipline and inspire
all a the same time.
When speaking of stating their expectations or delivering
hard news leaders, often tell me: "I don't want to be the
bad guy." To which I reply: "If you really were the bad
guy, you wouldn't worry about it. The fact that you do,
shows how much you truly care."
Here are six keys to successfully communicating hard news
in a manner that will inspire, not offend:
* Know what you want; know what your specific expectations
are of this employee.
* Begin with questions. The staff member may be one step
ahead of you, waiting for this discussion and may save you
the agony of correcting their actions.
* Know and mirror this person's communication style. If
they are bottom line, be bottom line. If they need more
information or time to digest, provide both.
* Respectfully tell the truth (no sugar coating if
possible.)
* Lead and end with something positive. They'll remember
the hard stuff; give them something else to focus upon as
well.
* Make sure that your point is being both heard and
understood. Oftentimes, the only message that gets across
is: "I messed up; I'm not good enough. I'm going to get
fired." Ask them what they are hearing and what specific
steps they'll take as a result of this discussion. Watch
their body language closely.
If you worry too much about delivering hard news, you may
never get there. Procrastination is a killer to effective
communication as your angst will come out in other ways
such as body language, impatience or vocal tones.
Ultimate good is being served for both you and your
employee.
* You will unfold courage and strength.
* You employee will know their mistakes and be able to
correct. Without your 'being the bad guy,' neither of you
could enjoy this growth opportunity.
On behalf of those whom you lead, be bold enough to be the
'bad guy' the next time you have difficult information to
deliver. This will allow your team to grow, know without
doubt what you expect of them and allow your company to
prosper. What's better than working for a leader you can
trust who will consistently let you know where you stand?
Now that's inspiring! Enjoy your discoveries and have a
great week!
----------------------------------------------------
For the sake of keeping your career fresh and on track,
would you like to enjoy a weekly shot-in-the-arm from
Master Certified Coach Ann Golden Eglé? You can sign
up for her Success Thought of the Week at
http://www.gvsuccess.com . "A Guide to Getting It:
Vibrant & Lasting Relationships" is available at
http://tinyurl.com/2x73up .
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