THE CHANGING POLITICAL and economic scenario across the country has led to situations where many of us are communicating bad news, both personally and professionally, without wanting to appear rude. Here are some ways to do it more effectively:
Q: What is the appropriate etiquette for communicating bad news to co-workers, for instance when handing out pink slips?
A: This is a tough job as it’s much easier to let go of people for non-performance than for economic constraints. Taking care of the legalities, make it easier with the following:
Bad news in face-to-face meetings only: Firing somebody via email is too impersonal and if they hear the bad news from the company’s grapevine, it’s even worse.
Spend time: Schedule a meeting at an appropriate time of the day when you can devote adequate time, allowing him/her to recover from the initial shock.
Spend time: Schedule a meeting at an appropriate time of the day when you can devote adequate time, allowing him/her to recover from the initial shock.
Human Touch: Offer that he/she can take off the rest of the day, as they may prefer to come to terms with it by spending time with their family or in solitude, instead of interacting with co-workers.
Privacy: Use a cabin or a meeting room to convey the news, with the door closed, making sure that other employees cannot overhear you conversation.
Extend support: Praise the person intermittently, making them feel positive about their future. Provide referrals, letters of recommendation or offer to put them in touch with people who could be of help.
Keep in touch: Most employees complain that they never hear from their previous employers after the layoff. Speak with them once in a while, inquiring about their progress. Send an occasional email about a potential job in the market.
Q: How to communicate to a colleague or a business associate that he/she has overstayed?
A: Don’t feel guilty about ending a meeting that’s overrun its allotted time slot. Start mildly and escalate: First, Nonverbally: Looking at your wrist watch (time-tested formula), breaking eye contact or looking distracted briefly. Next, Verbally: A mild “It’s already four o clock! We have spent over an hour discussing…” or a polite “Thanks for dropping by, it’s wonderful catching up” or a direct” I have another meeting in a few minutes”. Finally, Action: Get up from your chair, smile warmly, and shaking hands slowly start walking towards the cabin / meeting room door.
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