Isn't hinting the worst approach in that case though? I can't imagine that the additional uncertainty helped with staff morale.
- lie, by saying there is no discussion
- omit, by not saying whether or not there is a discussion
- discuss openly
- don't discuss, just make the decision rashly
Decisions like this tend to follow one of the first two options, but clearly none of them are great. They're all damaging in their own way.
Better to give people a heads up so they can start getting their resumes in order, hitting up their networks, etc. rather than telling a blatant lie.