Written by: Vickie Sullivan | May 19, 2020
When Disaster Is About to Strike
Talk about drinking from a firehose. This month’s Harvard University Women Leadership Board meeting was action packed, even on Zoom, with lots of talk about the coronavirus pandemic and the economic and health disaster we find ourselves in.
The content was a little dark—especially about what happens next from both from economic and public health standpoints. Which begs the question: How do you predict a disaster?
It’s easier said than done. No one wants to be the “sky is falling” person. Also, many folks turn to denial when hearing impending doom. So, how do we give bad news and move around the initial “oh, it can’t be that bad” reaction? These two tactics pave the way:
• Name the factors. People need to know the environment before they believe a disaster is coming. So, lay the groundwork with key findings that show the “why” behind the “what comes next.” Context is everything, especially with bad news. Address the assumptions and acknowledge they can change.
• Create some control. After hearing bad news, the first thing folks want to know is “what can we do?” So, show any mitigating factors, along with action ideas. If we can’t prevent disasters, then help people prepare for them. Folks want to latch on to any kind of control. Give them that.
Listen: How to Give Hope About a Situation Without Sugar-Coating It
When times are bad, the last thing people want to hear is that it’s gonna get worse. Those who can tell that truth effectively will be the one folks lean on to navigate the way out.
Now Read This:
- How to Tell the Brutal Truth and Not Sound Like a Jerk
- Brand and Message Strategy for Thought Leaders