Firing People Is Never Easy

Summary

• It's tough when I have to let someone go, even if I'm a good boss and clear about performance expectations.
• Even with clear communication, delivering the news of termination is still very punishing and difficult.
• People often avoid talking to me after being let go, which is understandable but part of the job.
• Many leaders make the mistake of not informing their team about performance issues before firing them.
• It's crucial to give people a chance to improve by providing clear feedback and expectations.
• The importance of basic skills, like being on time, shouldn't be underestimated.
• There's a misconception that everyone knows their job perfectly and that no training is needed.
• As leaders, we must remember that our job is to be teachers and guide our team to success.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing a few strategies to help you grow your small business, venture, or personal development.

First, set clear expectations for yourself and your team. Whether it’s about performance standards or work ethics like punctuality, make sure everyone knows what’s expected of them. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and sets a baseline for accountability.

Second, give regular feedback. Don't wait until there's a major issue to bring things up. Regular, constructive feedback allows people to adjust and improve. This can be as simple as a quick weekly check-in to discuss what’s going well and what needs improvement.

Next, understand the importance of basic skills. Small things, like being on time, matter a lot. Make sure everyone understands these basics and why they’re crucial. This doesn’t require a big investment of time or money but can have a high impact on overall performance.

Another thing to focus on is training and development. Even if you believe someone should already know their job, continuous learning is key. Offer short, focused training sessions on specific areas that need improvement. This can be as simple as sharing useful articles, having quick team meetings, or setting up a buddy system where team members can learn from each other.

Finally, be a teacher. See your role as guiding and supporting your team. Sometimes leaders may take a step back from teaching, thinking it’s not necessary, but effective leadership involves being patient and helping your team grow their skills.

By focusing on these low-cost, high-value activities, you can foster a more effective and harmonious environment that will drive your personal and professional growth.