Leading Through Bad News: How to Lead with Clarity, Compassion, and Trust

Episode Description:
 How do you lead when the news is bad—layoffs, downsizing, even tragedy in the workplace?

In this episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris shares three essential tools to help leaders navigate the toughest moments with clarity, compassion, and trust. Grounded in the wisdom of Brené Brown—“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”—this episode is a blueprint for delivering hard news without damaging your culture or credibility.

Whether you’re preparing for difficult conversations or leading your team through uncertainty, this episode delivers practical leadership moves you can use immediately.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to communicate bad news with honesty and empathy
• What to do when you don’t have all the answers
• How to build trust and stability when your team needs it most
• Why silence and corporate spin erode leadership credibility
• Leadership habits that preserve culture during crisis

About the Host:
 Colby Morris is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of Things Leaders Do. He helps leaders build trust, drive performance, and lead with clarity—especially in high-stakes environments.

Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/colbymorris
Learn more at: nxtstepadvisors.com (That’s N-X-T, no E)

• Colby's LinkedIn Profile
• Things Leaders Do Instagram