I’m sure many, if not all of you, have heard this phrase at some point. Passing out good news is something we should all look forward to and enjoy doing. I remember at times I’d stop what I was doing to pass along some good news. Then on the flip side there is bad news…I wouldn’t say I ever “looked forward” to being the messenger for that. However, if you are the person that is aware of that news, and it is in your lane to do so, I say it is your duty to pass that news along just as fast as the good news…if not faster.
Why the rush…why the need to get that news out there? Here are a couple reasons I can think of:
- Rumor control. Trust me, once the news is out there some version of the story begins to get passed around…and it isn’t always the right version. Be bold, tell the story, share what details that you can, but end the rumors…let them hear it from you.
- The person waiting to hear the bad news is still wondering? Maybe they were waiting on a big promotion and everyone thought they were a “shoe in”. Then you get the results and it is time to start notifying folks of the good news. Might be a time to pull that person in and let them know the bad news first…don’t make them wait. (That one is a true story and I’m glad I told the person they didn’t make it first).
- It shows the individual and/or your team that you care about them. That you have the courage to be open and honest with them about everything…good or bad. If you can be an open book with them I’ll bet you will get the same in return.
Deliberate Development 