Managing up when you have bad news
- Priya Venkatesan
- Sep 17
- 1 min read
Most senior leaders dread this moment: You need to tell your boss something they absolutely don't want to hear: The project is failing. The deal fell through. The timeline just exploded.
Bottomline: Communicate bad news.
What you say in the next 60 seconds will either build or destroy your credibility as a leader.
What is prudent to say?
Does your boss need your apology?
Do they need your problems/challenges?
Do they need your consolation?
Do they need every detail?
Most often not.
They need the impact and what can be possible solutions.
The COIN (Context - Outcome - Impact - NextSteps) feedback model developed by Anna Carrol, is a first step framework that helps on organise a leader's thoughts in a way that the communication is effective and efficient.
Sample COIN framework
Here are some reflective questions to get you started with the COIN framework
What's the best outcome you want out of the communication?
What decision should you walk out with?
What does your manager need to make the call?
What should not be missed in communication?
What gives the whole picture?
What are the shock absorbers for the impact?
What emotions you need to handle first?
What of the other's emotions do you need to face?
Whats the best that can come out of both your minds?
How do you communicate bad news to your boss?