From the course: Quick Scripts for Difficult Conversations

Script to terminate someone

From the course: Quick Scripts for Difficult Conversations

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Script to terminate someone

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- Okay, we're going to dive right into the deep end to start this course. How to terminate someone. This is the hardest thing to do for almost everyone. Most people get nervous. They don't say enough or they say too much, so it's the most important one to have a strong talk track for. Here we go. All right, Jeremiah, I need to tell you I'm terminating you and that today is your last day. We've had a number of conversations about the way I needed your work to improve, and I'm sorry I haven't seen the improvements we talked about. I've asked you to make sure I'm updated on all your projects proactively, and I regularly have to chase you down. I've asked you to clarify for your team their top goals and they still come to me for a direction, and your team hasn't achieved its goals for multiple quarters. I've decided to make a change. So after you say all this, someone, either you or your HR team, have to handle the details. When will his last day be? What will you give him in terms of severance or vesting of stock? What are the details of his insurance? How will you break the news to his coworkers? And will you be a reference for him in the future? Think through the logistics of this or find out how your HR team handles these details so you're ready to answer questions. You can end the conversation by simply saying, "Thank you for the contributions you've made while you were here, and I wish you well." Let's face it, firing someone is really hard. Use this script to give you more confidence and comfort in what you sometimes have to do as a manager.

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