Bad News Delivery Protocol (SPIKES)

A six-step protocol originally developed for delivering bad medical news, now widely adapted for any context requiring the delivery of unwelcome information. S — Setting: Arrange the physical environment (private space, sit down, tissues available, phone off). P — Perception: Ask what the person already knows or suspects ('What's your understanding of the situation so far?'). I — Invitation: Ask how much detail they want ('Some people want all the details, others prefer the big picture — what would be most helpful for you?'). K — Knowledge: Deliver the news using a 'warning shot' ('I'm afraid the news isn't what we hoped...'), then state it clearly and simply. Pause. E — Emotions: Acknowledge the emotional response empathically. Name what you observe ('I can see this is devastating'). Allow silence. S — Strategy and Summary: Outline next steps and available support, but only after the emotional response has been honored.

When to use it

Delivering terminations, layoff notifications, project cancellations, significant negative feedback, medical diagnoses, death notifications, organizational restructuring announcements, or any news that will significantly disrupt someone's expectations or emotional state.

How it can help

Most people deliver bad news either too abruptly (causing shock) or too indirectly (causing confusion and anxiety). This protocol provides the exact sequence that minimizes harm while ensuring clarity. The 'Perception' step is particularly powerful — it often reveals the person already suspects the truth, fundamentally changing how you deliver the news. Immediately actionable for anyone who ever has to fire someone, deliver a diagnosis, share project failure, or communicate loss.