Brad Briner, new NC state treasurer, said in his first newsletter to the constituents whom he is sworn to serve that he plans to raise premiums and implies there may be other changes to state employee health coverage before saying , “This isn’t the message I wanted to deliver in my first communication to Plan members….” Frankly, I don’t believe him. He has been quite animated in interviews during his campaign and after the election that he is eager to begin enacting his plan to cut drug benefits and raise premiums. 

Maybe those things need to be done or maybe not, Mr. Briner, but to say you  didn’t “want” to deliver this news as your first communication is disingenuous. This statement did not NEED to be your FIRST communication to us. Actually, your words reveal a definite lack of empathy for the human beings you are to be caring for. As a former English professor, I have some suggestions on how you might have better delivered this bad news.  

How about praising state employees and retirees, thanking us for our hard work and dedication as your first communication, saving the bad news for your second, third, or fourth? How about telling us that you’re honored to serve us before delivering the bad news?  This is a basic business writing technique I taught my community college students.

However, your very first words to the people you are about to deliver bad news to is not about honor and service or sorrow over how underpaid and overworked people are going to be asked to sacrifice even more. No, it’s about how “excited” you are to be in such an “impactful role.” So, I’m confused. You actually seem quite happy to deliver such news.You go on to support your argument by saying you “believe in transparency.” I do, too, but you can be transparent and still offer a little compassion for the thousands of state employees that will be affected by your actions. A bit of humility goes a long way, too.