Let the Facts Tell the Story

By Heather Campbell


ID-10013891By Heather Campbell >>

Watching BBC Breakfast yesterday morning, I was amused by a story about the potential for a return to economic insecurity and the slowing of growth across Europe.

UK share prices have fallen by some 10% in the last six weeks.

It wasn’t the story in itself that amused me – but rather the attempts by the BBC presenter to sensationalise a rather banal story. It was evidently one of those mornings where news was slow and the Breakfast presenters had to fill the time somehow.

So, they brought on a financial expert to share her views on what is actually causing this dip in share prices and how we should respond.

Was it time to sell, sell, sell?

The expert said, “Of course not, this could only result in selling at a time when you will get less for your money than you would have done six weeks ago,” and pointed out that stock market investments are usually long-term.

The prosaic, factual nature of her response quickly extinguished the flame of anxiety that the presenter was trying to create.

It was, quite simply, a non-story.

Sticking to facts in business communication has an equally powerful effect, quelling fears and curtailing the power of the grapevine.

Too often, business leaders overlook this, embellishing facts and adding unnecessary spin.

Sharing facts in a calm, honest way respects the intelligence of the people you lead and builds trust between leaders and direct reports.

What facts should you be sharing today?

 Image courtesy of Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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