Bearing Bad News

No one likes to be the bearer of bad news. When it becomes necessary to deliver the news that one's job has been terminated, leaders respond in different ways.

Some leaders simply avoid the situation by having someone else handle the dire communication. Others tend to disassociate by following the "letter of the law" and delivering the news with little or no emotional empathy. There are a few courageous leaders who choose to do it differently. R is one of those leaders.

Recently, the bad news came from the corporate powers that job cuts on R's team must be made. Unfortunately, this meant parting with talented, loyal, hard-working men and women. The years of service ranged from newer employees, who had only been with the organization for a few years, to those who had given many years of service and a lot of loyalty to the company.

R has always invested in his team and led them to understand the importance of working for each other, not just with each other. He has facilitated a culture of caring and seeing the organization as more than simply a pay check mechanism. His team works to understand not only what they do and how they work, but WHY they choose to invest in each other, and ultimately, provide value for their customers.

R is handling this difficult season just as he has always led his team in good times: with insight and wisdom. He personally spoke with every individual on his team that was losing their job. He grieved with them and allowed them to see his hurt about delivering this life-changing news... He then committed to help.

R committed to following up and assisting each team member during this transition process. He is openly asking his entire team to remember that their commitment to each other goes beyond a job. The team will continue to invest in and support those who have been affected by this corporate decision. And R will continue to lead with the authentic integrity that defines great leaders.

Choose to genuinely care about those you lead, in good times and bad, and you will make a difference.

Dr. Larry Little, CEO