Under any circumstances, delivering bad news is an unpleasant task. And as a recent Harvard Business Review blog points out, it's even worse when you don't agree with the decision you're being asked to relay.

That dynamic sets the stage for any number of uncomfortable situations, and uncomfortable decisions for you as a manager. Do you act like you agree with the unpopular decision? Should you let it be known that this wasn't your idea and you disagree with it too?

These are tough calls. Thankfully, the HBR piece lays things out in a way that is logical and geared toward getting you through situations like this with your job, and your relationship with your team, intact.

HBR consulted Joshua Margolis at Harvard and talent management expert Susan Heathfield for the piece. Click through to see their top pieces of advice.