Difficult Client Conversations
The best way to share bad news is to give it to someone in a private setting. Putting the bad news in an email or text is usually not a good idea. This may result in bad news being lost in the shuffle. Sharing it with a family member or friend in a personal setting is likely to be a much better idea.
For instance, you might not want to tell your mom that you are moving to another state. You might also not want to tell your sister that you are in the hospital. Although these are both valid reasons to let it slide, a better approach is to make sure that you have the right person on board before making the move.
The best way to relay the news is by letting the other person have a say in the matter. While this might seem counterproductive, it is actually a great way to build trust. Moreover, if you know that someone is having a rough time, you may be able to alleviate their worries by introducing some levity to the situation.
There are many ways to accomplish this. One way is by using a simple smartphone app that lets you send a text message to your loved one. It might not be as personal as sending an old fashioned letter, but it should be close enough.
Another option is to share the news via the internet. The plethora of technology available today makes this possible. You can choose from Twitter, Facebook, or even Skype. If you are unable to physically hand the news to your recipient, consider a call or drop in.
There are many ways to make sure that you are on the right track. First, try to get a feel for your recipient’s level of anxiety before you reveal the news. When you have a sense of the severity of the situation, you can make an informed decision about the best course of action.
A second strategy is to use a simple transitional statement to explain the news. This can help to make the experience easier on both you and your loved one. In addition, it is a good idea to take note of any specific questions that they may have, and to make sure that you answer them in a timely manner.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of technology to make the process easier. Using an e-mail is certainly an option, but you might be able to avoid the hassle by allowing your recipient to read the message aloud. That way, you can keep an eye on the screen while they are reading it.
Lastly, you should be mindful of the time of day and the location of your intended audience. Not only will this save you from getting caught up in someone else’s misfortune, but it will also allow you to focus on the content of the news. Depending on the nature of the news, you might want to make a separate announcement to certain members of the team, especially if it involves a big announcement.