We did a coaching challenge on time management a while back and had a great response from all our coaches. Here are the most recurring themes our people came up with – I think this is a pretty solid list!

Brian Tracy suggests that nearly two thirds of the people who start working for a company don’t work out. And if they aren’t working out, the absolute reality of the situation is that you have to get rid of them – because they are doing you damage.

Even though it seems cold, think of it as an opportunity for that person to pursue a career they are better suited for. Somehow you’re helping them find happiness

At the same time, you are doing an essential part of business operation – striving for continuous improvement.

“Firing is never easy, but it is necessary in building a business, and in being a business owner or manager.”

-Brian Tracy

1. Firing can’t be delegated – if you do the hiring, you do the firing.

2. Make the decision and commit to it.

3. Give warnings – let the person know that they won’t be able to continue with your company if they don’t change their performance.

4. Make sure someone else is in the room to witness the deed, and if it’s a woman you are letting go, it should be a woman in the room with you.

5. If you fire the person early in the week they can start looking for work right away. 

6. Have a severance package ready in advance.

7.  There is no need to go over what went wrong – if you have given warnings then your reasons for firing have already been made clear. The less said the better, it avoids arguments, protects self esteem and protects you form lawsuit.

8. Control your own emotions, no anger or accusations – they serve no purpose.

9. Be a “broken record” – repeat, “I have given this a lot of thought and I have decided that this is not the right job for you/you aren’t the right person for this job/I think you would be happier doing something else,” over and over until the person accepts what is happening and then you can give them the severance package.

10. Be classy – you don’t need to discuss this with your staff – what’s done is done.

You may not be sure what constitutes “warnings”, or what might be a reasonable severance package, or even if you are letting the right person go, and that’s where a FocalPoint Business Coaching Professional can come in. They can mentor you through the firing process – so you can be sure you do it with respect and integrity and keep yourself protected.