Telling someone they’re fired is never an easy conversation, but you can take steps to make it less painful. Before starting the conversation, make sure you’ve prepared responsibly. Does the person know there’s been an issue? Has he been given an opportunity to act upon your feedback? Next, identify the right environment for the meeting. It should be a private place where you won’t be interrupted. Finally, think about what you want to say. Instead of preparing a scripted speech, focus on setting your intentions. Give yourself some space to really think about this person: who he is, why you hired him in the first place, what this will be like for him. Try to see the best in the other person. Imagine him contributing more powerfully in another organization or role. And approach the conversation with the assumption that he has value — it may just be in a different job.
Adapted from "How to Fire Someone Without Destroying Them," by Anese Cavanaugh
