I want to fire you. How can I let you down gently?

Answer 1

There is no really gentle way to do it.
And it isn't going to be any easier if you delay.
Do it first thing in the AM. . Bring the person into an office and close the door.
Turn off your cellphone, pager, etc. DO NOT allow any interruptions.

"Joan, I have some bad news. I don't know how to say this any other way, but it appears your career with this company has come to an end.
((Brace yourself. )) For now , just Shut up!!!!!!!! Let them speak. They will! don't take it personal or be combative, just listen. Let them unload.
---
Now comes the bargaining. "Isn't there another position, or, this, , I'll shape up"
" No, I'm sorry.
We've discussed this and we don;t feel it would work out. "
The threats, "I'll get a lawyer, I'll file with the state bureau of, (whatever)

" It is your priiviledge to see an attorney or file a conplaint." ,if that is what you want to do."
Don't show fear, nor show a " OOOh, we're scared" reaction. Just acknowledge.
-
Ask them if there
is anything at their desk they want, and offer to go get it., Don;t let them into the work area,. you don't need any distruptions there.
If they start telling you that this or that has to be done, tell them
I'll take care of it. " Theyre trying to show they're irreplaceable. Don't fall for it.
Don't go into who will replace them.,, what will happen if so and so has her baby,. etc./

-Now the tearjerker. What about health ins, I have diabetes and whateveritis and I spend a fortune on prescriptions.
Explain, she can see HR about her severance package.(Now, if they wish) If you're stuck with that detail, start explaining.
By now, you're feeling uncomfortable and you just want that person out of there.Stay cool., you're a manager and this is part of the manager's job.
The person may ask, "what do I say when i look for a job." Tell them," say what you want it's fine with us. "(Does it matter-NO-)
--
I've been on both sides of the desk. If you're the one getting fired, here's how you make them feel terrible.
" , while no one likes to lose a job, I'm glad I'm out of here. This isn;t the same co I started with 5 years ago. Since Mr. ---became VP, I'm history, so is Ed Smith and Joe Jones and Ted Johnson. You've been good to me, so I certainly hope you're not next. I enjoyed working for you. Good luck."
This is as painful a kick in the balls you can give someone, and it won't get you into any trouble.
As Donald Trump would say., "You're fired" and once the decision is made it isn't fair to anyone to delay it.

Answer 2

There's no easy way to fire someone. But saying that the job just isn't a good match for the person is as good as any - it doesn't attack them personally.

A person should be given warning before being fired if it's a performance issue - let them know in an appraisal what it is that they aren't doing that they need to, and let them know that this must be corrected within a certain length of time if they are to continue working at this job.

Answer 3

Whenever I have fired an employee, it was because of a series of incidents that had been documented and signed by the employee. No one was really suprised when the last straw happened.

If you are wanting to let them down gently, I wonder why you are firing them and if they have had previous issues.

Answer 4

If your not man enough to handle it, and look me in the face
when you fire me. You need to quit, and go take some time
off for management classes 101.At least give me some prior
notice, like you require from me, would be a start. :-})

Answer 5

Just tell me that u no longer require my services and at least give me a reason WHY ur firing me. an apology would be nice too, since im probably gonna be very pissed at you and throw darts at a picture of you hanging on my wall for making me an unemployed loser :)

Answer 6

Cut hours down to five per week! Asked why? say have too many employees.Cooperate made me cut hours, it was not my choice. I wish I could help you, but there is nothing I can do.

Answer 7

Someone told me you had sex with my wife. So I'm firing you.