How To Fire Someone

Cindy Advises On One Of The Most Difficult Things You’ll Ever Have To Do Professionally

Dear Cindy, I have to fire one of my direct reports. It became evident soon after they joined my team that they were not delivering in the way their role requires. I’ve provided feedback and coaching, but they have not improved, and their performance is impacting the whole team. I formalized the review process in conjunction with HR and set clear benchmarks which weren’t achieved. Termination now needs to happen. I’ve done this before, but I find it incredibly difficult. What’s your advice on the best way to do this?

I really, really empathize with this question, as someone who has had to fire a number of people in the course of my career. First of all, you are doing the right thing. The worst mistakes I’ve made professionally were when I didn’t fire fast enough.