Trying to fire an employee is not something that most people look forward to. Having to fire an employee that you care about is even tougher. In the world of business, tough decisions such as these are inevitable if you are in a position of leadership. Sooner or later, you will have to let somebody go that you really care about or like on a personal level. How do you do this without permanently damaging that relationship? Here are some tips to consider when you have to fire somebody you care for:
1. Be very prepared before you sit down to fire them. The worse thing you could do is not have a good reason for letting them go, and you need to be able to explain why. Make sure that you have your facts in order.
2. Take them someplace private to do the firing. Never fire someone in a public area where they might be humiliated. Give them the respect that anybody deserves and do it in a private way.
3. Consider other options for them. Sometimes an employee is let go for reasons that are not his own. If this is the case, and you know of a different employment position within the company or elsewhere, make a phone call or two to help them out. Go that extra mile to try to soften the blow.
4. Explain to them that the situation is not personal. Let them know that you do care about them, and that you do not wish them harm or ill will. You have a job to do, and you simply have to make decisions that you do not like sometimes. It is okay to be truthful with them, but do not share unnecessary details.
5. Keep the meeting official and try to make sure you keep your emotions. If you allow the firing to become too informal, it is much more likely to get personal. Keep it business all the way, and never let your guard down emotionally.
6. Offer your continued friendship and express your condolences for the situation, but do not apologize for doing what you have to do. If you do, then they will feel as though it is personal rather than business.
7. Leave others out of the situation. Never compare them to anyone, and do not use others as excuses for what you are having to do. Again, this will make it feel personal, and will only make them more angry.
Firing somebody you care about is tough, but with some common sense and a bit of compassion, you can do it. Never feel as though you must keep someone simply because you care for them. If they are hurting your business, then you have to do what is necessary to keep your job, and your business rolling. Management is not an easy thing for anyone.
