Goals in communicating Bad news messages

Primary and Secondary Goals

In communicating bad news, there are few primary and secondary goals that must be kept in mind. The primary goals are to make the receivers completely understand and agree to the negative messages, and to keep a good relationship with them. The secondary goals are to minimize the bad feelings of the receiver.

Primary Goals:

1) Make the receiver understand the reason completely and clearly.

2) Ensure that receiver feel comfortable and not broken hearted by consoling him in a positive tone.

3) Present a positive image of you and your organization.

Secondary Goals:

1) Minimize bad feelings of the receiver by conveying the message sensitively.

2) Make the receiver believe that decision taken is just and fair.

3) Maintain pleasant relations with receiver for future dealings.

4) Avoid creating legal liability for you and your organization.

Question:

Do you feel that above mentioned goals can reduce the bad feelings of the receiver of bad news?

                                             Reference:  

             

•   Business Communication : Process and Product by Mary Ellen Guffey & Dana Loeury