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I've Got Some BAD News!
Ever had to deliver some bad news?
HuRU Crew — let’s talk about something that applies to leadership, our businesses, communities, and even our lives at home.
And it’s a lesson from former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss, author of Never Split the Difference.
Yes… the guy who negotiated with kidnappers and terrorists.
Turns out the same principle applies to teams, families, friendships, and leadership.
Here’s the truth most people avoid:
Bad news rarely creates the real problem.
The problem is how people deliver it.
Most people hate uncomfortable conversations.
So they soften it.
They circle around it.
They delay it.
They bury the point in long explanations.
They’re trying to avoid tension...
but ironically that makes the tension worse.
Strong leaders understand something different.
When something difficult needs to be said:
Say it clearly.
Say it honestly.
Say it early.
In high-stakes negotiations, Voss teaches something fascinating.
Sometimes the best way to deliver bad news is to acknowledge the worst possible reaction first.
You might say something like:
“You’re probably going to think I’m terrible for not bringing this up sooner...”
Now the other person’s brain goes to work.
They brace themselves.
“Is this really bad?”
“Did something go terribly wrong?”
“Am I about to get fired?”
“Is this relationship ending?”
Then you deliver the actual news.
And often the reaction is relief rather than anger.
Because human beings are remarkably resilient when they’re emotionally prepared.
(read that line again)
This applies everywhere.
In business:
Address problems early.
In leadership:
Clarity beats comfort.
In community:
Honesty builds trust.
At home:
Direct conversations prevent long-term resentment.
The real mistake most people make is...
trying to avoid the discomfort of delivering bad news.
But delaying it or sugarcoating it builds pressure in the room.
Clear communication does the opposite.
It releases pressure.
Builds trust.
Creates real leadership.
HuRU Crew Poll 👇
When you have difficult news to share, what’s your natural instinct?
🔹 Deliver it directly and quickly
🔹 Ease into it and soften the message
🔹 Wait until the timing feels right
🔹 Avoid it longer than I should 😅
Let’s talk about it.
Think about a time when someone delivered bad news really well.
What did they do that made it easier to receive?
Or...
Have you ever delayed a tough conversation and later wished you hadn’t?
Vote in the Poll then
Drop your experience below — this is where the real learning happens. 👇
I deliver bad news directly AND quickly
I like to ease into it and soften the message
I wait until the timing feels right
Ummm... I avoid it much longer than I should 😅
Circumstances matter...my approach changes based on the situation (details below)
8
8 comments
I've Got Some BAD News!
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