Emailing bad news has traditionally been considered risky, and often down right poor form.

But is that always the case?

This week I worked with a manager in a data analytics team who thanked me because I had given him the strategy and the confidence to do just that.

When unpacking that situation, it turns out there were some useful lessons for us all.

1. Decide whether this news is ‘just bad' or ‘dangerous'
2. Build trust first
3. Don't hide the bad news

Let's unpack this further. to help you write a bad news email.

Decide whether this news is ‘just bad' or ‘dangerous'

We need to be careful about what kind of bad news we share and when we share it. But following today's discussion I hunch we can when the right ingredients are in play.

The key is to make sure the bad news isn't dangerous. By that I mean, that it isn't personal, political, ambiguous or earth shattering.

The sort of bad news that can be safely and politely shared by email is cut and dried and important but not of enormous significance.

Build trust first

Start with empathy to build a bridge before getting to the bad news. You might …

1. Begin with common ground
2. Show that you understand where you they coming from
3. Use descriptive neutral language, rather than emotive words

Don't hide the bad news

Be clear and confident in explaining your news, while offering a solution if you can.

Don't hide or use what a wonderful Australian author, Don Watson, calls Weasel Words. Simple and forthright clarity is respected more than you might assume.

So, if you are careful about which bad news to share you can do so effectively if you frame it to build trust at the start.

I hope that helps and look forward to bringing more to you next week.

Kind regards,
Davina

PS – This week I launched a conversation on LinkedIn on this topic. Join the conversation here.

PPS – I was thrilled with the results from the most recent Board Paper Bootcamp. I now have a 4.9 rating on Maven and tons of terrific reviews. See more here.

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