We often talk about strategy and execution, but true leadership is defined by our ability to manage loss within the organization. The hardest test is not facing the crisis itself, but facing the people you lead to deliver the difficult news.
The MIT Sloan Management Review article highlights that when bad news lands, it lands as loss, and your response determines the future of your organizational culture. This isn’t just about information sharing; it’s about empathy.
The framework in the article helps leaders articulate the right message, especially in final situations (the “Shut It Down” and “Move On” moments). These endings require more than a memo; they require vulnerability and moral courage.
The leader’s job becomes one of creating closure, honoring the hard work that was done, and carefully redirecting valuable talent and collective energy.
By using ceremonies, clear language, and authentic appreciation, you help people release the past and attach hope to the future. This act of transparent change management preserves dignity and builds an enduring foundation of trust.
True emotional intelligence in a leader means mastering the art of the ending. How are you creating respectful closure in your organization? Dive into the full article to learn the four core communication components (Empathy, Appreciation, Disclosure, Persuasion) that ensure your endings become launchpads for the next big thing.
Read the full MIT SMR analysis here: https://mitsmr.com/47ZIiVf
#Leadership #EmpathyInBusiness #ChangeManagement #TrustAndCulture #FutureOfWork
Elevarse Performance Consulting 
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