How Do You Deliver Bad News

How to answer this question

• 1Be direct and timely — do not bury the news or delay it unnecessarily.
• 2Think about the person receiving it, not just the message being delivered.
• 3Deliver it in person when stakes are high.
• 4Be honest about the reasons.
• 5Spend most of the conversation on what comes next, not the bad news itself.

Example answer

I believe in delivering bad news directly and soon. When I had to tell a team member she was being passed over for a promotion she had worked hard for, I met with her in person, told her clearly, explained the reasons honestly, and spent most of the conversation on what she could do differently to be in a stronger position next time. She was disappointed but thanked me afterward for being straight with her.