How to Deliver Hard News to Someone Who Cares Deeply (Part 2), with Elizabeth Schuster & Marissa Ferrari.

How do you tell someone who has poured their heart into a program that it's being cut, without losing their trust or their commitment to the mission?

In Part 2 of our Season 4 premiere, Elizabeth Schuster and Marissa Ferrari of Sustainable Economies join Lucie and Chris for a live role play. Elizabeth guides Lucie, playing a passionate program director, through the moment her outreach program is downsized during budget season. Then we unpack what worked and why.

In this episode:

A real-time role play of delivering hard news to someone deeply attached to the missionAcknowledging before redirecting, and why rushing to solutions backfiresThe power of "and" instead of "but" to hold two truths at onceWhat shifted Lucie from "maybe this isn't the place for me" to "tell me more"Having disagreement in front of the group, and when to take it one-on-oneWhy people keep bringing up the past, and what real repair looks like"Name it to tame it": calling out tension in the momentThe pre-mortem and the question every leader should ask: "Are you open to changing your mind?"Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally before you facilitate

Listener challenge: The next time you deliver hard news, catch one "but" and replace it with "and." Notice how differently the other person responds when both truths are allowed to stand.

About our guests Elizabeth Schuster is an environmental economist and Partner at Sustainable Economies with 25 years of experience in sustainability and community development. Marissa Ferrari is Creative Director at Sustainable Economies, a researcher, brand strategist and facilitator who advises leaders in conservation, parks and environmental education. Together they help mission-driven organizations turn passion into strategic plans that make a difference.

Website: https://sustainableeconomies.com

Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethfschuster/

Marissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissaferrari

About your hosts

Lucie Tesarova, ICF PCC, is the founder of MindFittery and coaches leaders on the inner game of high-stakes conversations: https://www.mindfittery.com

Chris Wong helps leaders and for-purpose organizations build intentional cultures and systems: https://www.myleadershippotential.com