two cents: how to fire
[an employee, that is]
As published on Bazaar Magazine monthly article: Loaay’s Two Cents
Last time I fired an employee he made such a big fuss at the office and tried to turn many employees against me and the company. What’s the best way to fire someone?
Your description reminds me of Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire when he got fired. I hope the scene at your office was less dramatic. Anyway, firing someone is a delicate matter regardless. Assuming that firing that asset is the only thing left to do after providing guidance, training and support, here are seven things to pay attention to:
- Hold the meeting during the last hour of the day to minimize the chaos amongst staff that can be caused by the employee you’ve just fired. You don’t want a full day of gloom in the office.
- Keep the meeting short. Dragging it is going to make things worse for that employee’s self esteem and dignity.
- Start with positive qualities, but don’t patronize; and don’t talk a lot about the negative qualities. If the person is leaving, why escalate the meeting!
- Talk to staff immediately afterwards about your decision, but don’t badmouth the employee. It’s unprofessional.
- During these days of financial pressure, employees might think the company is downsizing and that they’re next. Ask them for referrals and to recommend people for that position, if it needs to be refilled, to confirm indirectly that the company is growing. If there’s no need to refill that position, be clear on where the company stands as far as job security is concerned at the moment.
- Always consult HR and Legal before talking to anyone to protect the company.
- Be considerate…and that’s just my two cents.
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