I’d be upfront but thoughtful—no sugarcoating, no vague excuses. I’d start with honesty: “Here’s what happened, here’s why, and here’s what we’re doing to fix it.” Then, I’d focus on solutions, setting clear next steps and realistic timelines. Empathy matters, so I’d acknowledge any impact on them and reassure them that they’re a priority. A personal touch—whether it’s a quick call or a well-crafted email—helps them feel heard, not just informed. The key? Own the setback, communicate proactively, and prove that we’re still the right team for the job.

When facing setbacks, I maintain trust through transparency and empathy. The State of Staffing 2025 shows 69% of clients value frequent updates. I communicate clearly about issues without vague language, taking ownership where appropriate and providing specific details about underlying causes. I acknowledge how setbacks impact your goals and validate your concerns. I then pivot to solutions with realistic timelines and contingency options, emphasizing our partnership toward common objectives. I document next steps in follow up notes to keep everyone aligned, building confidence through both clarity and compassion.

7 Simple checklist items: Don't over complicate this concept! 1. Be Transparent -Hiding things will make it all worse 2. Identify the issue - Figure out the REAL problem that needs to be solved. 3. Isolate the cause - Dig into causes and continue down the "Why" path until you truly isolate root causation. 4. Present a solution - A problem without a solution is a complaint (or incompetence). 5. Mitigate future risk - Place controls to mitigate/eliminate future occurrence. 6. Generate and apply lessons learned. - Apply lessons learned to future projects to grow from mistakes and set backs.

Start with a solid foundation: Before signing any contracts, I make sure to thoroughly vet vendors. This includes checking their track record, financial stability, and alignment with our sustainability goals. I also ensure their values match ours, especially when it comes to environmental and social responsibility. Set clear expectations upfront: I always define the scope of work, deliverables, and timelines in detail. This avoids misunderstandings later. For example, if we’re working on a cloud migration, I specify the expected uptime, security protocols, and support response times. Build a partnership, not just a transaction: I treat vendors as partners rather than just suppliers. This means fostering open communication and mutual resp

Communicating project setbacks requires immediate transparency and genuine empathy. Addressing issues with the right timing while acknowledging their business impact demonstrates respect and maintains trust during difficult conversations. The key is balancing honest explanations with actionable solutions. Presenting a specific recovery plan with clear timelines shifts focus from problems to collaborative resolution. Regular follow-up updates demonstrate commitment and rebuild confidence, often strengthening client relationships more than projects that run perfectly from the start.