How to Fire Someone The Best Way in 7 Steps

Firing underperforming employees is the most stressful part of any managerial role.

The fact is jobs change and so do the requirements for them. As complex and competitive as the hiring process is one-third of those who get the job end up being “de-hired” for one reason or another.

Picking the right people for your unit is part of what leads to your success. On the other hand, identifying someone that doesn’t fit is also part of that success. Work requires full commitment and peak performance from everyone on that team and when that isn’t happening there’s just one choice even though it’s a hard one.

By letting them go, you are giving them the push they need to move on to something better to their skill set. There is a right way and a wrong way to let a person go from a job

These are the eights ways to fire someone the right way:

1. Protect the self-esteem of the employee at all costs

That starts by giving them some privacy. Find a quiet, neutral space that has a door to close while you talk. There is no reason everyone in the workplace needs to hear the discussion.

Try to control the gossip as much as possible and give the employees a chance to come to grips with the news. It might be wise to have someone in the room with you as well. It’s difficult to know how someone will react to being fired. Pick a person that is non-threatening, though. Don’t bring in a security guard, for example.

While you have this talk, another manager or employee can handle security issues like changing passwords.

2. Use compassion when delivering the news

You don’t need to sugarcoat things, and it’s important to make the message clear. But you can do that while still understanding how difficult the situation is and being compassionate.

Your goal is to:

• Remain calm

• Explain, don’t argue

• Stick to the facts

• Be clear but brief

• Emphasise the decision is made and not up for negotiation.

• Avoid making excuses.

Take ownership of the decision instead of pushing it off on someone else.

3. Use repetition or the broken record technique

The broken record technique is about asserting yourself and avoiding an argument. It closes the door on discussion and non-compliance, as well. Repeating words such as “not a good fit,” “the decision is made” leaves no room for conflicts while still showing compassion.

4. Focus on the positive

Chances are a person not doing a good job will see that firing them is best for both parties. You can emphasise that with will statements such as “I think you will be happier in a job that fits your skills better.”

5. Repeat if you have to

If needed, repeat that you think this is better for them. Make it clear so they'll accept the idea and understand they are being fired.

6. Do not backtrack

Once it’s clear they accept that this is the end of their employment, don't backtrack. Move the conversation forward and stay away from personal issues such as family, stress or health concerns.

7. Go over resources available to them

This is likely the last conversation you will have with this employee, so make sure they have all the information necessary to get through this struggle and find success elsewhere.

You can work together to develop a cover story to protect their privacy, too. Make it appear to be a mutual choice or that the employee took the opportunity to move on. Allowing them to save face takes some of the burn out of being fired.

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Source: Brian Tracy @ Youtube

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