This is how you handle a bad news conversation

The holiday is over and the days soaked in Aperol Spritz are behind us. It's not all hunky-dory and koediekoe anymore, but decisions need to be made, and sometimes that includes a decision that is less pleasant for someone else. And yet you must. So let's get to the point, that bad news conversation is part of it. Those who do not make a decision are always making the wrong one anyway.

1. Prepare yourself
In every respect. Think about what the main points of your conversation are, shift possible trivialities that irritate you but have nothing to do with your decision. Discuss it thoroughly and possibly practice with a loved one you trust.

2. Ensure a quiet moment 
A charged phone, an environment where you can talk alone and undisturbed. Are you in the car? Pull over for a moment. Are you in a busy office? Go for a walk. Give the other person the conversation and yourself all the attention for a moment.

3. Start with the bad news
In the category of ‘getting straight to the point’. You greet each other, exchange pleasantries and say: ‘I have no good news.’ It's also important to make it clear that your decision is final.

4. Justify your decision
Calmly explain why you have come to this decision. Do it in a respectful manner and try to keep emotions at bay.

5. Put yourself in the other person's shoes
You have thought about how your decision affects the other person and have looked for ways to soften the blow for them.

6. Give the other person space
Of course, that person is disappointed and perhaps even angry. Give them the opportunity to respond. While it doesn't change the situation, it will make the other person feel that they are being taken seriously.

7. Stay true to yourself
No matter how unpleasant it sometimes is to do something that affects another: stay true to yourself and know that it is impossible in life to please everyone.

Take a deep breath and treat yourself to something nice.