How to fire someone
Fired or laying off, its still devestating
Have to share this. Friend of mine called me and told me that he had been fired. On Saturday. At 10:00pm at night. By a company that he worked for for 9 years. Not by his boss, but by his bosses assistant. And then was told that he needed to call some of his staff and fire them.
Yes, true. Yes, sad. No, not in America, in Israel (which makes it very believable).
The world economy is in a panic (no thanks to America). Everyone is cutting employee's, not only for salary but also the benefits and additional costs that can be saved. They need money in the bank to weather this storm. Instead of dropping/stopping bad products or getting out of bad business', employee's are the first to go. It has happend before and will happen again.
But, I don't want to talk about the economy. I want to talk about letting people go. If you are in a socialist state, then, you don't need to read anymore. But, if you are in a capitalist state, then, continue to read.
First, read all the information on the web, in books, etc. about how to help a future employee transistion out of their job (lol - isn't that a good way to say "your fired"). Next, don't call them and lay them off, do it in person. If you can't do it in person, then, you, yes YOU, shouldn't be in the position that you are currently in.
Second, put yourself in their position. Yes, you may be laying this person off to protect your own job, but, still, take the moment and put yourself in their shoes and make it as comfortable as possible for them.
And third, remember, they believed in you, as their boss, that YOU knew what you were doing and that you were going to help them become rich/make money/etc. You were their mentor, or, at least, their boss, and they looked up to you for direction and leadership. Even in this moment, when you are laying them off, you are a leader - act like one.
So many generals in history kept their honor and respect when they surrendered or lost a battle. Because they did it with class and with their soldiers in mind. Business is war, don't ever forget it.
Be a leader and think before you talk.