Introduction
Business organizations are established to earn profits and increase shareholders’ value. These goals can only be realized when companies implement powerful business models. However, the initiated models and business strategies might not always work perfectly. This is the reason why increased employee turnover, reduced profits, and lawsuits are common in the world of business. This paper offers suitable approaches that can be used to deliver negative messages to a company’s board of directors.
Measures to Consider
The intended meeting is aimed at informing the board of directors about the situation of the targeted company. The members will be updated about the negative issues facing the organization such as pending lawsuits, increased employee turnover, and reduced profits. The first measure to consider is ensuring that the problems facing the company are combined with the most appropriate solutions. Such solutions will ensure that the members of the board are contented. The second measure is to deliver the intended messages concisely and calmly (Bergen, Bressler, & Campbell, 2014). The news should be delivered without waffling. This is the case because the board members are only interested in the truth.
It would also be appropriate to maintain the highest level of credibility. If the board members are satisfied with the person presenting the news, it will be easier for them to trust the information. Additionally, the individual should give a detailed comparison of the company’s issues and those facing its industry (Gneezy, Gravert, Saccardo, & Tausch, 2017). Insights from the board of directors should also be taken seriously to support every initiative aimed at transforming the situation.
Rationale
The above measures have been considered because they can ensure that the meeting proceeds productively and smoothly. For instance, every challenge should be combined with a viable solution. The rationale for this practice is that the targeted listeners will be happy to know how the company’s issues can be addressed (Gneezy et al., 2017). Delivering the messages calmly and firmly is an evidence-based approach that is capable of securing the confidence and cooperation of the board members. The issue of credibility is relevant because the members will be satisfied with the major initiatives that can change the situation.
The practice of highlighting the trends experienced in the industry is appropriate during the meeting. The rationale for the move is that the targeted stakeholders will be able to compare the issues facing the company and those experienced in the sector. Consequently, they will be ready to offer useful ideas and ensure that the meeting is completed successfully. It is also necessary to be straightforward and accurate. The rationale for the practice is that the directors will be convinced that the leader is capable of making tough decisions and transforming the company’s situation. Apologizing for mistakes and taking responsibility are helpful practices (Seago, 2016). Such measures can encourage the board of directors to acknowledge that the leader is not happy with every existing circumstance (Gallo, 2015). Such practices will make the meeting successful and hearten the members to offer appropriate insights for tackling every issue facing the organization.
Conclusion
Leaders who understand how to convey negative messages to different stakeholders will find it easier to gather timely solutions and ideas. This discussion shows clearly that individuals should deliver pessimistic messages concisely, efficiently, and courageously. They should also outline potential solutions and compare the situations with those of the industry. Such measures will encourage the board members to support the company’s business model and eventually transform the situation.
References
Bergen, C. W., Bressler, M. S., & Campbell, K. (2014). The sandwich feedback method: Not very tasty. Journal of Behavioral Studies in Business, 7(1), 1-13.
Gallo, A. (2015). How to deliver bad news to your employees. Harvard Business Review. Web.
Gneezy, U., Gravert, C., Saccardo, S., & Tausch, F. (2017). A must lie situation – Avoiding giving negative feedback. Games and Economic Behavior, 102, 445-454. Web.
Seago, J. (2016). It’s all in the delivery. Web.