At U-SparkPeople Management & Development Consultancy, we often support leaders through moments of organizational change. One of the hardest parts? Knowing how to show up after delivering difficult news, especially in an all-hands meeting.

When the message is heavy, the way you show up matters just as much as what you say. These meetings are about trust, presence, and helping people reconnect to purpose after something has shifted.

This recent article from Harvard Business Review captured that well.

Here are a few reminders we stand behind, and often coach leaders through:

• Acknowledge what’s true, for the business and your people
• It’s not just about the message. It’s about the emotional weight behind it.
• Rebuild shared understanding. Help your team reconnect to the bigger picture and their place in it.
• Be steady, not scripted. People respond to authenticity, not performance. Let them see the leader, not just the communicator.
• Invite honest questions. You won’t have all the answers. But being open to the conversation is a form of leadership, too.
• End with clarity, not just comfort

People don’t just need to feel better. They need to understand what’s next, and what role they can play.

These aren’t just communication moments. They’re leadership moments. And how you show up in them shapes how your team moves forward.