These tips were published by Forbes.
Communicate the decision in a way that leaves no doubts about it
First of all, you must not beat about the bush. If you try to be vague about the decision, it will certainly not help your attempts to make the team accept it well. Tell things the way they are and do not withhold any key information.
Make it clear the decision is irreversible
In order to strengthen your position and prevent employees having false hopes or wasting time and energy on debating, declare at the very beginning that the decision has already been made and is irreversible.
Provide the wider context
Help your subordinates understand the situation by explaining the circumstances that led to the decision being made. Explain the problems the company or the team would get into had this decision not been made and therefore why it was necessary.
Be as frank as possible and communicate about the topic openly
Be willing to discuss the topic openly with employees. Let them ask you questions, and explain to them honestly what the decision means for them. Be prepared for an emotional debate, and try to stay on top of things.
Focus on the positives
Faced with negative prospects and emotions, people often cannot see anything positive. If the given decision does have certain positive aspects, focus on them and emphasise them to your employees.
-mm-