When the layoffs had to be announced, I made sure my deputy was the one in the room saying it. I called it delegation, giving her the experience. Really I just didn't want to be the face people remembered from the worst day of their year, and I let her carry what was mine to carry.
More people experience this than they realize.
You get someone else to deliver hard news to keep your own hands clean.
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.