Breaking Bad News

Delivering bad news is not only part of life, it is part of leadership, says orthopedic surgeon Jeremy Statton. We must develop the ability to deliver bad news with grace and honesty. His six guidelines include to: be personal, be direct, be succinct, be honest, be kind and be patient. “It always helps to just lay the cards on the table. Get to the critical information without too much delay. Once you try to start explaining away things, people get the sense something is up. It is easier on everybody to get down to business. You need to get to your destination without taking the scenic route.”