How to deliver bad news to your boss (and look good doing it)

Breaking bad news to your boss is like being the sober sister on girl’s night; someone has to be the sacrificial lamb.

Though you may feel jittery about informing your supervisor that something has gone terribly, terribly wrong, the situation could be a blessing in disguise.

Employers are looking for individuals who know how to think on their feet, can adapt quickly, and can communicate effectively. Addressing a workplace crisis by offering a solid, well-researched solution in a timely manner will prove to your boss you’re not only a thinker, but also a doer with management potential.

So when that moment strikes and you have to break bad news to the person determining whether you can to go home for the holidays, consider the following guidelines:

1. Bring the whole story to the table.

Rushing to squeal that the keynote speaker for your upcoming conference just got a DUI isn’t going to make anyone’s day any better.