In our compliance roles, we are required to be frequent bearers of bad news. It is key to making good decisions, growing ethical companies, and building honest relationships.

Through interviews I conducted on high-stakes stories from Wall Street to an army base in Afghanistan, and incorporating my own experience, I have codified a six-step process to help increase receptiveness to your message and reduce the likelihood of backlash in your career. Follow these six steps, and you will be much better positioned to achieve your goals.