How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?

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Community Answers

One of the toughest parts of communication can be delivering bad news to people that you work with and for whom you care. Whether it is providing a less-than-positive work review or terminating someone, giving bad news is not an easy task. Assure the interviewer that you can handle this type of duty in a transparent, concise, and professional manner.

"I do not enjoy communicating bad news to a co-worker, but I have experience in doing so. When this task is required of me, I practice empathy. Truth is always key, so I am honest and clear when communicating the news. For instance, if I am to terminate someone's employment, I do not sugarcoat the reasons. It's best they know so they can learn from the experience."

"I am very to-the-point when it comes to my communication skills. Good or bad news, there is always a way to improve the situation and create something good from it. After delivering bad news, I will work with my coworker to find a viable solution."

Anonymous Answer

"Well, giving bad news is not an easy task. But telling the truth is always the key, so I will be honest when communicating the news. I make sure to practice empathy. It's best for people to know so that they can learn from experience. For example, when someone is closing to death, I'd focus on his/her good memories and the positive side instead of the disease."

Alexandra's Feedback

This is a good answer. Your desire for integrity and honesty shines through in this answer. As the interviewer, I may follow up by asking for a specific example describing what happened when you delivered bad news and what happened, not just what you would do.

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Anonymous Answer

"No one likes to be the bearer of bad news. But I would be straight to the point and convey to them what they are doing wrong, so as to learn from this experience and to be able to work on the issue."

Lauren's Feedback

Wonderful response. I changed the wording slightly to include a collaborative approach; I would like the interviewer to see your leadership qualities.

"In a global sense, I believe in being proactive versus reactive. I do not like being the bearer of bad news, so that I would deliver the message clearly and expeditiously. My job would not stop there, however. I would work collaboratively with the employee to brainstorm ways to improve. For me, this is a much more productive way to move forward."

Anonymous Answer

"Giving bad news is never easy, but I believe honesty is the best policy. It is essential to show empathy and let the person know you are there for them."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a nice approach. If you have an example of a time when you had to deliver bad news to a patient or coworker, this is a good time for a quick story.

Anonymous Answer

Stephanie's Feedback

Great response--this is always a tough situation to be in, and it sounds like you have the skills and experience to navigate through it gracefully.

Anonymous Answer

"I do not like communicating bad news however in my years of experience I had to communicate bad news and I always look for a positive outcome. I had to cut associate hours from 30 to 20 hours due to budget cuts. When delivering the news I told the employee she can check other stores to see if they need help and when we get the hours back I will have no problem increasing the hours."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! It sounds like you handled this situation well. The interviewer will appreciate that you try to look for the silver lining so you can discuss this when you convey the bad news. In this example, what was the employee's reaction? Did you effectively convey the bad news?

Anonymous Answer

"I communicate with empathy and very clearly. I will work with the person to gain understanding and find solutions."

Jaymie's Feedback

Using concise and empathetic communication is a great strategy! Also include how you would address that person (i.e., email, phone, privately face-to-face, etc.). Small details like that will add impact to your answer.

How to Answer: How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Davita job interview.

6. How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Alexandra's Feedback

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Anonymous Answer

Lauren's Feedback

Wonderful response. I changed the wording slightly to include a collaborative approach; I would like the interviewer to see your leadership qualities.

Anonymous Answer

"Giving bad news is never easy, but I believe honesty is the best policy. It is essential to show empathy and let the person know you are there for them."

Rachelle's Feedback

This is a nice approach. If you have an example of a time when you had to deliver bad news to a patient or coworker, this is a good time for a quick story.

Anonymous Answer

Stephanie's Feedback

Great response--this is always a tough situation to be in, and it sounds like you have the skills and experience to navigate through it gracefully.

Anonymous Answer

Marcie's Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I communicate with empathy and very clearly. I will work with the person to gain understanding and find solutions."

Jaymie's Feedback

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