Tell your Boss Bad News
Project failure, missing parts for projects and missed deadlines are just a few of the types of bad news that must be shared with a boss. Most employees avoid talking to their bosses whenever possible, and having to talk to them for the purpose of sharing bad news is even worse. For those who need immediate tips for how to tell your boss bad news, here are some simple things you can do to lessen the blow.Seek a potential solutionBefore going to your boss with bad news, try to find a solution to the problem that caused the news. For example, if you are approaching your boss about a missed deadline, explain why the deadline was missed (without making excuses) and offer an alternative completion date. Find solutions to help get projects that are failing or on the verge of failing back on track. Having a solution to offer can help lessen the blow of bad news.Avoid misrepresenting and excusesWhen you are faced with having to present bad news to your boss, avoid misrepresenting and do not make excuses. Tell your boss all of the facts in a clear and concise manner that leaves no question as to what the underlying problems are. Trying to sugarcoat a problem, lying about a problem or making excuses only creates more problems. Be honest and open about the reasons for the bad news.Be well preparedBefore meeting with your boss for the purposes of sharing bad news, make sure that you are well prepared. Try to anticipate questions that your boss may ask and be prepared to answer them thoroughly and directly. When you are well prepared, you can help minimize the damage of bad news and show your boss that you are aware of how the problem started and what steps might be taken to correct the problem.Ownership not martyr-shipWhile it is important that your boss understand the reasons why projects fail or things go wrong, there are two things that should never occur during these meetings. Do not take full responsibility for the failure, there is always more than one reason. Secondarily, do not point fingers at coworkers who are not there to defend themselves. Take ownership of the problem without making a martyr of yourself.Once you have given the bad news to your boss there are some things that need your attention. First and foremost, make sure that you have not indicated that by telling your boss about the problem that they now own the problem. Listen to what your boss has to say, answer any questions that your boss may ask and above all, stick to the facts. Telling your boss bad news is not something any employee ever wants to face, however, this does not mean that if you have totell your boss bad newsthat it has to be catastrophic. Brush up on your communication skills and face the problem head-on. After all, the problem is not going to go away.
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