Following are three introductions from the Bad News assignment. The introductions are the opening sentence or paragraph/s from three assignments as they were written and emailed to me by students.
Based on the knowledge that I presented to you prior to the assignment, and based on what you know about how to present bad news, please do the following:
Here are the three introductions:
1. I decided to hold this meeting today to deliver news that I am sure you don’t want to hear. Unfortunately, I have to inform you that our Company has decided to reduce the percentage paid for college courses to 40%.
2. Our firm has always given our employees the best of benefits for the past 10 years. We have always survived in the good and hard times to obtain success. There is a change in the management firm that all managers agreed to. The change is that we will pay you 40% rather than 67%.
3. We have enjoyed a positive and profitable working relationship between the employees and The Management Firm, Inc. Over the last five years, we have found your company to be a great help in fulfilling our clients’ needs. Your assistance has been invaluable.
Unluckily, the economic climate is changing, and therefore we are forced to observe our current needs. Although we have enjoyed a successful working relationship in the past, we find that we are no longer in a good financial situation. This is no reflection of the quality of your goods; we are simply going in a different direction. The company now will cover only 40 percent of the tuition for approved courses.
Directions
- Read all three introductions.
- Comment on two of the introductions. You can include both of your comments in one post. Or, you can add two Comments if you must.
- Use the Comments section of the Blog to comment . . . keep your comments concise and specific.
- Check to make sure your Comment was posted (Blogger limits the amount of words you can include in a Comment). . . I will only grade Comments posted on this Blog. If you have a problem using the Blog, please visit IT and ask for help, or ask another student to help you. Do not email your comments to me.
- In your Comment, number the introductions (use the numbers presented below) so that I know which two introductions you addressed and evaluated.
- State whether or not each introduction is an acceptable way to present bad news. Answer Yes or No.
- Explain why you answered Yes or No for each introduction. Be specific. This will require more than a few words about each introduction.
- Check your Basic English because, of course, it counts.
- Deadline for posting your Comment: Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. in Kuwait.
Purpose
The goal: Demonstrate that you understand how to introduce bad news to employees. Demonstrate that you can differentiate introductions. Demonstrate that you can identify what works, or doesn't work, in a bad news introduction.Here are the three introductions:
1. I decided to hold this meeting today to deliver news that I am sure you don’t want to hear. Unfortunately, I have to inform you that our Company has decided to reduce the percentage paid for college courses to 40%.
2. Our firm has always given our employees the best of benefits for the past 10 years. We have always survived in the good and hard times to obtain success. There is a change in the management firm that all managers agreed to. The change is that we will pay you 40% rather than 67%.
3. We have enjoyed a positive and profitable working relationship between the employees and The Management Firm, Inc. Over the last five years, we have found your company to be a great help in fulfilling our clients’ needs. Your assistance has been invaluable.
Unluckily, the economic climate is changing, and therefore we are forced to observe our current needs. Although we have enjoyed a successful working relationship in the past, we find that we are no longer in a good financial situation. This is no reflection of the quality of your goods; we are simply going in a different direction. The company now will cover only 40 percent of the tuition for approved courses.
2. Yes, the writer was successful in delivering the bad news to the employees. He didn't shock them or let them down from the beginning because he mentioned the company's benefits for the last ten years. He also was smart in showing the current situation and how the new situation will be.
ReplyDelete3. No, the introduction didn't show the purpose of the assignment. The writer did a good job in not delivering the bad news first. He tried to uplift their spirits of the employees cheer them up by showing them that they are appreciated in the company. On the other hand, the core of the subject wasn’t delivered to them yet. The writer wasn't successful in delivering the message and didn't let them know the current situation. Furthermore, statistics and the reducing percentage weren’t mentioned.
2. Yes, the writer was successful in delivering the bad news, the writer started by giving the benefits, and how they survived the good and hard times to obtain their success. At the end of the introduction the writer wrote the bad news. In that way the writer didn't shock the employees from the beginning.
ReplyDelete3. Yes, the writer was successful in delivering the bad news, when the writer wrote how positive and profitable and the good relationship between the employees and the management, how helpful they were, and their assistance was invaluable. These are all explanations to how the employees were beneficial to the company. Then the second paragraph is how the writer delivered the bad news by giving more than one example explaining why the company is trying to reduce their payments.
1. No, this introduction is not an acceptable way to present bad news. The writer jumps into an alarming statement and then hits the reader with the bad news. There’s no smooth introduction, brief reminder of the good times or even a reassuring word or two.
ReplyDelete3. Yes, this introduction is an acceptable way to present bad news. The writer eases the reader into grasping the bad news. The bad news is given after reminding the reader of the good times they experienced. The reader is forced to weigh the bad news against the good times that have already been going on for so long at the company.
1. No, the writer was not successful in delivering the bad news because according to the rule you can’t start by delivering the bad news first. The audience will lose interest in everything else the writer is going to say. They won’t even hear the good news. By starting the meeting with announcing that he has bad news, he demotivated the employee and made them stress about it.
ReplyDelete2. Yes, the writer was successful in delivering the bad news because he started by encouraging the employees and telling them that they had done a good job and they made it through good and bad times. Then, he mentioned the bad news that the company is going to decrease the percentage of what they pay for their tuition. So, the writer didn’t shock the employees and gradually delivered the bad news.
1.No, the writer delivered the news in a negative way .Bad news should be softened by a gentle introduction and lighter finish than the bad news itself.
ReplyDelete2. Yes, the writer created a positive opening. The writer wasn’t prompt when delivering the bad news. The disappointing response was between two more positive statements.
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ReplyDelete1. No, this introduction isn't an acceptable way to introduce bad news. Instead of starting the memo with the somber news of tuition reimbursement being reduced, a more upbeat tone should have set the pace in the introduction. For example, highlighting and praising employees' achievements in saving costs and, ultimately, allowing the company to survive through tough a economic climate. Build up encouragement and praise before delivering unflattering news.
ReplyDelete2. No, this introduction isn't an acceptable way either. I would stay away from phrases such as "there is a change in the management firm that all managers agreed to" because you are now conveying the image of management acting in collusion, rather than in an open and honest way. This contradicts with the memo's sentences of togetherness where the opening was stated as "OUR firm" and continues to say "WE have always". To then deliver the bad news by saying "all managers agreed to" is like saying "WE all made this company a success yet THEY (the managers) decided to cut you out of tuition reimbursement". This will cause resentment, resistance and a trust barrier between employees and management. This sentence needs to be rephrased to keep the idea of togetherness going.
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ReplyDelete1.No, this is not an effective way to start of with delivering bad news. The introduction is very negative as a start for telling bad news and it’s not the appropriate way to begin with. It should be wrapped up in soft language that attempts to lessen the effect of the bad news.
ReplyDelete2.Yes, the writer came up with a good introductory paragraph. He started slowly to give out the bad news, starting with the good things that were done in the company by the employees. There was something that was not clear, which is what will the company pay for.
1) NO, the writer wasn't successful in delivering the bad news; it should be more friendly way. Put yourself in the other person or people's shoes. I really mean that; give it some time and really get in there. Try your best to understand what they stand to lose as a result of the bad news. Make sure you're clear that, regardless of your personal role in causing the problem, you are, to the other party, responsible and accountable.
ReplyDelete3) Yes, the writer was successful in delivering the bad news, I think bad news is often serious and people need respect, repeating the message several times helps it sink in. Therefore, framing the message by starting with a short positive statement (things that have been going well in the company that year) followed by the negative statement and then a change statement that explains what is going to be different as a result of the bad news. That way employee understands what the company will allow to change in the future.
1. NO, it is inappropriate way to deliver a bad news. No one likes having the painful conversation, but meting out the bad with the good is a part of the job as a manager. Therefore, the writer should use positive word to prevent the recipient from the disappointment; the most important thing is what you leave people with.
ReplyDelete3. Yes, the writer was successful in delivering the bad news by preventing finger -pointing, excuses and emotions to maintain a good relationship with the employee.
1 No i think the writer did exactly the opposite of what was supposed to be done. The writer delivered bad news first and shocked the readers. The message should have been delivered in an upbeat tone. The writer should have also reminded the reader of the good times. Employees love recognition and appreciation even if it was about something in the past which should have been mentioned in the message.
ReplyDelete3 yes i think the writer delivered the message in a suitable way. The message was gradually delivered in an order that does not shock the reader. A reminder of the good times and appreciation and then the bad news accompanied with suitable reasoning.
1 No the writer did not deliver the message in a suitable way. He started his message with the bad news which will definatley create a negative sense for the reader. Once the bad news is delivered the reader losses interest in reading the rest of the message. The writer should have shown some appreciation to the work done by employees and should have also stated the new regulations for reimbursment.
ReplyDelete3 the writer did a good job of delivering the message to the reader. Although the message was sent via email, as a reader i felt comfortable reading the message and recieving the news. The writer showed appreciation and defined the reason behind the decisions made in a suitable way.
1.No, this introduction is not an acceptable way to deliver bad news. The writer did not point out the positives in the situation. He started directly with the bad news without any upbeat tone in the introductory statement.
ReplyDelete3.Yes, this introduction is an acceptable way to deliver bad news. The writer started with a positive introductory paragraph by emphasizing on the efficient relationship between the employees and the top management. Moreover, the writer tried to deliver a positive message to the employees before he stated the bad news gradually. He made it clear to the employees that the company is taking care of them and satisfying their need as much as possible. In the second paragraph, he presented the facts before stating the bad news. This paragraph could be further improved by packing up some statistics to the facts. Using statistics will create statements that both the writer and the readers can agree upon, but will not mislead the readers into thinking that they'll read good news.
1. No. The author was so negative while presenting his message; he could’ve directly lost the audience when he started with the core message, especially if it’s a reduction in a benefit. Secondly, he assured the audience that they will be hearing something they won’t like, as if he programmed them to stop hearing or not to accept the decision positively. Third, I wouldn’t use the “Reduce” word, I encourage using the word “change” to soften the impact. Overall, the author failed to use the “Sandwich” approach.
ReplyDelete2. No (or partial Yes if possible). The author succeeded to gradually navigate to the core bad message. In addition, he mentioned the bright side of the company’s history and reminded the employees of how well they’ve been treated which served as a positive start. Afterwards, he introduced the bad fact without explaining the rational which will create ambiguity and a room for rumors and dissatisfaction as it will open a channel for employees to think “mmm, what else will they soon reduce?” Finally, there is a mistake (67%).
1.No ,The introduction is more negative than the news itself. In order to minimize the negative effect on employees, the writer should start with some positive aspects of the company. Bad news usually demotivates employees. Therefore, employees productivity is threaten by such bad news. Starting with positive aspects and explaining the facts about the company’s current situation makes the situation more understandable for the employees.
ReplyDelete3 Yes, the introduction was positive and showed how important the employees are to the company. The writer was successful in showing that such news is in the benefit of the company as a whole. Since the employees are important to the company, the writer indirectly implies that the decision is beneficial to the workers in the long run. Thus, the survival of the company means that the employees will keep their jobs for a longer period.
1. No, this introduction is not an acceptable way to present bad news. The writer jumps into an alarming statement and then hits the reader with the bad news. There’s no smooth introduction, brief reminder of the good times or even a reassuring word or two.
ReplyDelete3. Yes, this introduction is an acceptable way to present bad news. The writer eases the reader into grasping the bad news. The bad news is given after reminding the reader of the good times they experienced. The reader is forced to weigh the bad news against the good times that have already been going on for so long at the company.
No. An important factor in the opening of the bad news memo is to provide a reinforcement that will lessen the impact and prevent burning bridges, and this was not the case in introductions (1) and (2). Both introductions stated the problems directly rather than providing a buffer to maintain goodwill, as should be in a Cheeseburger Structure. Moreover, the introductions were not “readers centered” and did not consider the readers’ feelings when receiving the bad news. The employees’ contribution was not appreciated; on the contrary, they were reminded of the many benefits the company has provided throughout the years.
ReplyDelete1. No. This introduction began by implying clearly that the news to be delivered is bad news which is not acceptable in delivering bad news. The writer should have started by for example thanking the employees and then explaining the economical situation that lead to this decision.
ReplyDelete3. Yes. This introduction is more closer to the right way of delivering bad news since it starts with including the employees in the success of the company and then explaining the reason behind the company's decision.
1- No , the writer wan't successful in delivering the bad news to the employees , and this is considered to be unaccepted in delivering bad news. especially that he started implying the news from the beginning , which reflected his interest in delivering the news more than the method he should apply in delivering such news and what are the things he must pay attention to.For instance; the readers feeling or reaction once they hear about the news. Eventually ; that shocked the employees and lat them down.
ReplyDelete2- Yes, in the second example, the writer was successful in delivering the bad news to the employees. He he considered the readers feelings , and was successful in presenting the problem and stating the firm's current situation and new changes that will be taken in the future , mentioning that they have been together through the bad times and the good times, and this shouldn't be a problem , which would eventually ; strengthen the employees' trust and faith in the firm.
1-No, the introduction is not an acceptable way to present bad news didn't match characteristics of delivering a bad news letter he was so strict and direct to the point while he should have delivered the news in a friendly way to gain his employees support or faith in the firm .
ReplyDelete3. Yes, this introduction was sufficient and reflected the writer's interest in delivering the bad news in a good way to his employees to gain their understanding to the current situation .