Business Communication: ( Delivering Bad News Message)

Used with permission from student – Julia Huren

Sample Outline

DELIVERING BAD NEWS

I. USE POSTIVE STATEMENTS

a. Recognizing workers hard work and dedication

1.Appreciation

2.Gratitude

II. USE A BUFFER

a. Company is planning to make changes

 Company has to go in a different direction

 Budget cuts

III. BODY: FACTS, ANALYSIS AND REASON

a. Company is not making enough profit

 Less money to pay to employees

b. Efforts made to increase profits

 Change operating procedures

 Raise Prices

 Maximize cash flow

c. Have to let people go

 Can assist in new job opportunity

Used with permission from student – Julia Huren

 2-week severance pay

IV. CLOSING

a. Thank you for hard work and dedication

b. Wishing success in future endeavors

Options

1. A written message. Jack can hand deliver these messages to make

them more personal since his team is friendly and close. Followed up

by a face to face meeting.

2. Face to face. Jack is close with the members of his team so a face to

face meeting would be the most appropriate for the situation

Used with permission from student – Julia Huren

Sample Communication

Hello Team,

Thank you for your hard work and dedication over the past 5 years I have

ran this team. As a team, we have made huge strides together to better the

company. Our team has always been a happy, successful well-respected team

that I am so thankful to be managing.

Recently, the company has been discussing particular changes that will

have to be made in order for the company to continue growing in a positive

manner. The higher up managers and supervisors have been discussing multiple

options due to profits being so low lately. The company is struggling with having a

positive cash flow.

With the recent drop in profits I was informed that we are going to have to

make several budget cuts. The Company has tried for 2 months to prevent this

from happening. They have tried to change operating procedures, raise prices and

trying to maximize cash flow. The efforts have failed giving no choice but to cut

budgets which means cutting jobs. I have to let you go beginning Monday of next

week.

I know this is very unexpected and I want to let you know I will write you

letters of recommendation, give you human resources number for possible jobs

Used with permission from student – Julia Huren

and assist you with finding work. On behalf of the company we will be giving you

a 2-week severance pay as you begin the job searching process.

Again, thank you for your constant hard work and dedication, it has not

gone unnoticed. It has been a pleasure working and growing with you. I wish you

all the best in your future endeavors.

Best wishes,

Jack Simpson