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Discussion of a Difficult Team Decision: Strategies for Effective Communication

Navigating tough choices in leadership often proves challenging, especially when it comes to conveying adverse news to your team. It's human nature to shy away from the challenging responsibility of disclosing unfavorable outcomes, especially when it involves laying off valued team members.

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Navigating hard choices is never easy, especially when it comes to relaying negative news to the...
Navigating hard choices is never easy, especially when it comes to relaying negative news to the team. As a leader, you may instinctively want to sidestep the challenging task of informing your team about unfavorable outcomes. This becomes even more challenging when those hard decisions result in the dismissal of some team members who were once integral parts of...

Discussion of a Difficult Team Decision: Strategies for Effective Communication

** owns up to the tough decisions and doesn't shy away** from sharing the hard truth with the team. In the heat of leadership, it's easy to procrastinate, deflect blame, or deliver the news in a detached manner. However, a genuine leader must face the consequences head-on and present the reasoning behind it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to communicate a difficult decision in an honest, empathetic, and responsible manner.

Don't Hide Behind

When you've got something ugly to say, be upfront about it. Don't sugarcoat it or whisper it to minimize the impact. Speak louder and clearer to ensure your message gets across. After that, be prepared to face the firing squad and listen attentively to your team's thoughts and concerns.

Pause and Breathe

Don't rush through the announcement like a bull in a china shop. Take your time, articulate your words clearly, and pause. Allow time for the news to sink in. Your team members might not catch everything right away, and they deserve the opportunity to think about it before reacting.

Take Responsibility for the Decision, Not Necessarily the Blame

Don't expect agreement from your team – that's just wishful thinking. As a leader, you represent the leadership team and must take ownership of the decision. If you weren't part of the decision-making team, explain the logic used to arrive at that decision. Be honest and transparent, and even if you’re not the most liked team member in the room, at least you’ll be respected.

Show Empathy and Understanding

Understand that the decision might hit your team members hard. Acknowledge the impact of the decision on them and validate their emotions. Accept that there may be downsides to the decision, and don't try to minimize them. Show patience and understanding as conflicting emotions bubble to the surface.

End on a Positive Note and Offer Support

By showing your team that you care, you can ease the tension and lessen the impact of the difficult decision. Offer your help and support moving forward, focusing on their needs and not your own. Make it clear that you're still here for them, even though the decision might have gone against them.

Prove It

Your words and actions should match. Follow up on the conversation by having one-on-one discussions with the departing members. Show them that despite the differences, you care about them as individuals. Actions speak louder than words, so make sure you celebrate your team's successes and support them throughout the tough times.

In situations like this, your mettle is truly tested. Embrace the challenge, and you'll develop emotional maturity, integrity, and compassion. Face the difficulty head-on and do your best to support your team members throughout the process.

The Art of Communicating Tough Decisions by Kindred Solemn

HBR 2023/04

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