Q&A: Professor Robert Sutton on Communicating Difficult Decisions as a Leader

Q&A: Professor Robert Sutton on Communicating Difficult Decisions as a Leader

July 25, 2025

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Summary.   

One of the responsibilities of leaders is to deliver bad news: that the company is pulling the plug on a beloved project, forgoing raises or bonuses, implementing return-to-office mandates—or even eliminating jobs. When the economy weakens, more companies make these choices, requiring leaders to communicate them in a way that minimizes the damage to morale.

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Read more on Layoffs or related topics Downsizing, Difficult conversations and Leadership

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AdvertisementDon't Outlive Your Benefits — Long-Term Care insurance with unlimited LTC funds for as long as you live. Call 1-800-317-0625
AdvertisementDon't Outlive Your Benefits — Long-Term Care insurance with unlimited LTC funds for as long as you live. Call 1-800-317-0625