You made the decision, and you feel good about it. But that’s only part of the job. Communicating decisions effectively determines whether it succeeds or stalls. When the decision is unpopular, communication becomes even more important.

As a manager, it’s easy to fall into one of two traps. You over-explain, trying to convince everyone the decision is right, or you under-communicate to avoid discomfort. Neither works and both can result in confusion that erodes trust.

Effective communication requires clarity and frequency. Try these tips for more effectively communicating a decision.

1. Be direct about the decision. Don’t beat around the bush. Go with a straightforward statement. Clarity provides stability – even if the message itself is difficult or unpopular. Ambiguous communication is worse because it creates more frustration than the decision itself.
2. Explain the “why.” You don’t need to explain every detail, but it helps to provide key factors behind the decision. What priorities drove it? What constraints were in play? What trade-offs were considered? This context and rationale helps people understand the reasoning, even if they don’t agree with the outcome.
3. Acknowledge the impact. If the decision creates extra work, changes priorities, or introduces challenges, say so. Ignoring the impact doesn’t make it easier – it makes leadership seem disconnected. A simple acknowledgment demonstrates awareness and respect for the effort staff will need to make.
4. Tone matters. Avoid overly polished or corporate language that can feel impersonal. Speak in a way that is clear, direct, and human. People are more likely to engage with a message that feels genuine. The best way to come across as sincere is to be sincere.
5. Create space for response. Questions, concerns, and even frustration are normal. Listening doesn’t mean you are reconsidering the decision – it means you respect the people affected by it. Listen and listen some more. Paraphrase key concerns you hear so that people feel heard and can move on.
6. Consistency is critical. Ensure that your message is aligned across leaders and communication channels. Mixed messages quickly undermine confidence and create unnecessary confusion.
7. Reinforce the message over time. The brain doesn’t internalize information with one hearing. Important decisions should be communicated consistently and often. If you think you can relay the message once and everyone will understand, you are sure to be disappointed. Repetition ensures understanding and alignment.

People don’t have to agree with your decision to get behind it and move forward. They do need to understand the decision. These tips, while they don’t guarantee agreement, will enhance communication, build understanding, and enlist action. And when people understand the reasoning behind a decision, they are far more likely to support moving forward, even if it’s not what they would have chosen.