How can I fire somebody with tact and grace?

Question

Reciently becoming manager of a medium sized kitchen, of course I have to occasionally fire people. I've done it a couple of times, but I feel nervous, dont know how to say it. Sometimes people just dont work out, how do I tell them something they should recognize anyway?

Answer 1

I've run businesses, and babe, don't be deceived by these people.

They know very well what the scene is. They know that they are placing their boyfriend before the job. They know that they are badmouthing you behind their back. They know that the money they steal from the cash register was never meant to be part of their weekly pay. They know that they weren't ready and willing to help those customers. They know that they come in late. They know that they were smoking weed in the cooler. They know that they were cutting corners and not completing their jobs. They know that they are just trying to get away with as much as they possibly can and still try to keep their job.

When I fire somebody, I tell them what they already know. Then I inform them the very predictable consequence of their actions. They are NEVER surprised. Sometimes they're angry, but still speechless.
I have never discovered an employee who, when confronted with his failures, was confident enough in his obvious lies to become an aggressor.

Just make sure your write them their last check. Give them every last penny, and they'll think they won.

Answer 2

A 7-year old can be taught not to discuss poop in public, not to use cuss words or burp, and not to ask personal questions of strangers. At a calm private time, like when you're sitting together at home, introduce the subject. Tell him that nice people don't ask personal questions or make personal comments. Then when he does it in public, interrupt the second you realize where he's going. Say "Jack, that's the kind of rude personal question I explained that you mustn't ask. You may ask me about it later, but for now you must drop it." If he doesn't drop it, pull him into a corner for a private session. Seeing you stop the boy's rudeness at once is the only apology or explanation the offended party needs. They certainly don't want you to "look at them with an apologetic smile" if you are going to allow your child to continue embarassing them.

Answer 3

Firings shouldn't be a surprise to the employee. You should have already been giving him/her feedback on their performance as well as coaching them for improvement. If you have done your job, it will be easier to fire them from a technical point of view. Emotionally it is hard to fire someone. If you feel guilty about firing this person then you must think there is more you could have done to help them improve their performance.

Answer 4

The most important thing is to be totally honest. The person will know if you are giving them a snow job. If they are not working out, they already know it. they will respect you for being honest.

Answer 5

Just be real polite about it. Say that you're sorry but it's not going to work out and that you're going to have to let them go. Then say good luck and that's it its over.