How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?
"I certainly do not enjoy communicating bad news to a coworker, but I have experience doing so. When this type of task is required of me, I make sure to practice empathy and compassion. I believe honesty and transparency are key, so I will be truthful and upfront when communicating bad news. For instance, when I have had to let an employee go, I am direct and tell them exactly why they are being terminated. It is best they know to learn from the experience and understand what they did wrong. I also take the time to let them be upset and ask questions, so they are clear when they leave about the reasons they lost their job."
It is tough to deliver bad news to anyone, especially your coworkers and people you care for. The interviewer wants to hear how you communicate bad news to others to understand your communication style, diplomacy, compassion, and empathy. How you deliver bad news also shows your leadership skills and how you will interact with patients when providing information that is tough to hear.
"Delivering bad news to anyone used to be something I dreaded. But I know it is inevitable in the healthcare profession. I took an excellent continuing education course that taught us how to deliver bad news and went through the different stages of grief. After taking that course, I feel more comfortable delivering bad news. Recently, I was tasked with telling a coworker that her daughter was involved in a bad accident and was in critical condition in the emergency department. I was empathetic when delivering the news and stayed with her the entire time. I believe people need support when grieving and someone to understand what they are going through. Luckily, her daughter fully recovered, and the situation ended happily."
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Anonymous Answer
I would communicate bad news in person and in private. Having to do so with compassion and honesty.
Jaymie's Feedback
Your response shows that you understand these types of situations need to be handled delicately and professionally. Great job.
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