It has been a tough year for Anthony’s Orchard. There are multiple performance markers that contribute to how raises are determined, and you just learned that the planned annual raise of 2.5% has been eliminated. Although you haven’t communicated to the team about the raise, the time to do so is now, and you know that a rumor had been circulating in the department about the planned raise being approved.

Your team consists of the following individuals:

Jan – a recently divorced mother of two

Carl – a married man with no children

William – a man nearing retirement age who is planning accordingly

Brenda – a woman who is eligible for a raise for the first time

Phillip – a man who is currently on a performance improvement plan, and is therefore not eligible for a raise

To complete the Communication Portfolio Assignment, compose a cohesive document that addresses the following:

• Determine an appropriate communication strategy for the team. Here are some ideas/considerations:
  • Group e-mail
  • Team huddle (or meeting) ( My preference would be a group meeting)
  • Formal letter
  • Individual face-to-face meetings or phone calls
• Address the following to help you find the most appropriate strategy:
  • Describe criteria for evaluating the delivery of the bad news message in terms of what is within your control.
  • Compare and contrast the different channels with regard to effective delivery of this news.
  • Summarize some of the principles of effective delivery.
  • What is the tone for the communication?
• Once you have determined your communication strategy, use the following to develop a communication plan:
  • Compose an opening statement (3–4 sentences to frame the communication).
    • This statement is what you would use to start your communication in a one-on-one capacity, through e-mail, or at a group meeting.
    • If you choose to host a one-on-one, identify which employee is receiving the message.
  • Compose the body of your message using the most appropriate techniques for delivering bad news.
  • Conclude your communication plan and be sure to address any next steps or follow-up items.