Question

If you have a negative message to deliver, what should you do?

a. Focus on what you can do.
b. Deliver the message quickly and bluntly to minimize pain.
c. Be sure to spend the majority of the message focusing on the negative to make sure the recipient fully understands.
d. Avoid mentioning the negative news until the very last sentence of the message.
e. Avoid positive language, as it delivers a mixed message.

Answer 1

When conveying a negative message, one should be diplomatic and persuasive, focusing on clarity and potential solutions while maintaining a positive and professional tone.

Step-by-step explanation:

When delivering a negative message, it's important to approach the situation with diplomacy and persuasion. The focus should be on what can be done, and the message delivered should be clear, concise, and considerate. Here are several tips to consider:

• Start with a positive note or neutral statement to ease into the conversation.
• Be honest and direct without being blunt. This involves explaining the situation clearly and concisely.
• Use language that is sympathetic yet holds a fair representation of the situation, using phrases like "it seems that" or "it appears to me that" to show understanding.
• Avoid using all capitals and use proper spelling and grammar to maintain professionalism.
• Before concluding, suggest alternative solutions or a path forward to focus on problem-solving rather than dwelling only on the negative aspects.
• Listen and respond to feedback from the recipient, aiming to maintain a positive working relationship.