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Rachelle Enns
Rachelle is a job search expert, career coach, and headhunter who helps everyone from students to fortune 500 executives find success in their career.
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How do you present bad, or disappointing news, to your team members?
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The interviewer is interested in knowing your leadership and management style when it comes to delivering less than pleasant news. Some people have trouble facilitating difficult conversations, so you must display your ability to be uncomfortable while maintaining a position of authority.
If possible, give an example of a time when you had a challenging conversation. Explain how you were able to deliver the news professionally.
If possible, give an example of a time when you had a challenging conversation. Explain how you were able to deliver the news professionally.
Example #1
"I don't believe anyone enjoys delivering bad news; however, as a leader, it is part of what I need to do - sometimes on a weekly or even daily basis. When I have news to share that I know will disappoint someone, I will sit down with them, one-on-one, and express that I know how much the situation meant to them. I will then highlight to my team member what they did very well and make a plan with them to either try again or come up with an alternate plan."
Example #2
"Before I deliver bad news, I like to prepare my self for every possible reaction from the person to whom I am delivering the news. I will make sure to have a reply ready for someone who reacts angrily, someone who becomes emotional, and someone who may have a disengaged reaction. By having a variety of conversation approaches prepared, I can enter an uncomfortable conversation with confidence."
Example #3
"I learned early on in my management career that I should never joke around or make light of a situation when I am delivering unpleasant news. When I need to have an uncomfortable conversation, I approach the situation as though it were me receiving the news. I am kind, patient, and understanding of their reaction."
Example #4
"It's important to remember when delivering bad news, that I am having a conversation with a person who has a range of feelings. I directly deliver the news and then allow the team member to speak their mind. They can vent and get everything off their chest before they return to their desk. If the situation is dire, I will invite them to go for a walk to the coffee shop down the road to get some fresh air and blow off some steam."
Example #5
"When delivering bad news, I make sure to give it to the person straight and never beat around the bush. That's as bad as receiving the 'we need to talk' text from your significant other! I will talk to the person as soon as possible and fill them in on the situation. I am always empathetic in my delivery."
Example #6
"Salespeople often have particularly strong and competitive personality types, which means they want to get to the point. When I have to deliver unsavory news, I avoid being vague. This approach means collecting as much data as possible before having the conversation. If someone missed their monthly target, for instance, I sit them down with the monthly numbers and analytics so they can create a vision of where things went awry. We can then make a plan of action together to avoid the situation from repeating itself."
Example #7
"As an educator, I approach all difficult conversations with the utmost empathy. I know that no student goes out and tries to fail. Everyone wants to succeed; it's just that some people may not have the tools to do that. I will deliver the bad news, a low grade, for example, and then sit down to make a plan with the student on how we can avoid that from happening again. Before ending the conversation, I will give the student one example of what I enjoy or like about them. I aim always to leave a conversation with a student on an encouraging note."
Anonymous Answer
"I sit down with my team individually and then as a group and explain to them what we have done well and where we missed the mark. I explain what we can do in the future to succeed. I present the news in a patient and compassionate manner."
Rachelle's Reply
Your leadership qualities are on point!
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Anonymous Answer
"I have had to present disappointing news, such as not receiving a bonus. I did this is a sensitive way to keep the team engaged as well as implementing company policy."
Lauren's Reply
This is a good start. I would add more depth about how you approach and disseminate the news.
Lauren's Reply
"There was a time when I had to deliver rather disappointing new to my team about not reaching a goal that would have resulted in a bonus. I facilitated a team meeting and delivered the information sensitively. I engaged the group by being optimistic about reaching future goals, and ways we can improve our performance. When delivering difficult information, I think it is best to provide feedback, encouragement, and ways to improve. This is done with without harsh criticism."
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Anonymous Answer
"I'd always seek to be honest and not sugar coat. So if there is bad or disappointing news, I wouldn't sugar coat anything. However, timing is key. I would present the information at a place and time where we could have a proper conversation about the news to maintain team morale as much as possible."
Rachelle's Reply
Very well said! This answer is thorough and helpful to the interviewer.
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Anonymous Answer
"I take the time to present bad news to the team. Being empathetic is an important part and listening to the team when they have questions or concerns. After the news has been shared, I will check up on them one by one during the day to see how they are feeling."
Rachelle's Reply
Your style of communication sounds kind, patient, and professional. Well done!
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Anonymous Answer
"It's important to start on a positive note and to take a conversational approach. It's also important to be direct, address the issue, and allow team members a chance to speak their minds."
Rachelle's Reply
Perfectly crafted response.
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Anonymous Answer
"Show my appreciation for their contribution and then slowly introduce the bad news."
Rachelle's Reply
This response is okay but try to soften the delivery.
Rachelle's Reply
"When I present bad, or disappointing news, I will begin by letting my team member know how much I appreciate their hard work. I would let them know the bad news and ask them if they wanted to discuss further what could have been done differently. After delivering bad news, I think it's important to give the team member time to process and ask questions."
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Anonymous Answer
"I understand that being open and honest is the best way to have the tough conversations with a team member. I prefer to address the issue as soon as practical without delay."
Rachelle's Reply
Good answer! It's important never to procrastinate, even when the conversation may be a challenging one.
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