To fire someone is to terminate the person's appointment. That is to relieve them of their official duties because you no longer need their service or as a result of a shortcoming on their part. The decision to fire an individual needs to be considered carefully and not arrived at hastily. It should be decided based on facts without sentiments or biases. 

Hard as it is to fire someone, it is one thing business owners and those in management positions have to do at one point in time or the other. Firing someone you like is even more difficult.

Firing someone you like

It may become necessary for you to let go of an individual you have come to like or respect for several reasons;

• Incompetence: Perhaps this person has a likeable personality but is not competent for the job and you lack the resources to train him. When this is the case, the individual is of no use to you and it's best to let him go.
• Disregard for company policies or laws: All employees should have regard for company policies and laws. Those who do not do so would have to be let go.
• Unethical/Unprofessional conduct:  Your employees represent your brand, they are a reflection of what goes on in your company. Once an employee is found guilty of unprofessional conduct, he or she has to be let off irrespective of who likes him or her.
• Insubordination or disregard for authority: Employees who have no regard for authority have no place in any organization.

You might need to fire someone you like because they failed to meet the conditions stipulated in their terms of employment, theft or have become sloppy overtime etc.

Whatever the case might be, the company comes before the individual, no hard feelings, it's simply business.

 The problem of firing someone you like

To be sure, letting go of an individual isn't a pleasant line of action, even more so when it's someone you like. You might find yourself making excuses for the person and wanting to cut this individual more slack than is necessary or fair when compared to other employees. 

It is harder still to fire someone you have worked with for years, perhaps you've come to be close friends. You would no doubt wonder what would become of the relationship you have both built over the years. Whatever the case is, be sure to put the company first. When it comes to business matters, what is best for the organization is what should be foremost.

How to fire someone you like.

1. Exhaust other options first: Take other disciplinary measures over time such as queries, suspension, and probation. When  you decide to fire this person, no one can accuse you of being unfair
2. Do it yourself: It is something you don't want to do but have to do. Since you have a good rapport with this individual, do it yourself and avoid assigning it to someone else.
3. Prepare what to say ahead of time: Have a mental draft of what to say. Whatever you choose to say should be short, clear, and pointed. Ensure it conveys the message in no ambiguous terms.
4. Be firm: Do not begin to negotiate or banter words. Let this person know the decision has already been made and it's final.
5. Offer closure: Explain in detail why this is the best line of action. Don't leave people wondering what they did wrong.
6. Offer your regrets: let them know how unpleasant it is to let them go and inform them of what to expect in their severance package.
7. Choose a conducive environment: Never fire someone before his colleagues. The setting should offer a measure of privacy. Colleagues can be informed later.

Click here to read more on how you can fire an employee you like.

Before you take that step to fire someone, make sure it's the right thing to do. Talk to those in human resources and be sure all other options have been exhausted. Not everyone takes the news of a job loss in good faith, some may choose to pursue lawsuits and litigations. Ensure your decision to let the individual go is covered by labour laws. 

You need to replace the employee that was fired. Read through this article to get the best tips on how you can hire an employee that is the right fit.

Send your feedback and inquiries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our bulk SMS service helps put your business right in front of your target audience at an amazing price.

Visit our website and click on ‘create a free account’ and follow the prompts to register a bulk SMS account with us. Call us today on 08035515868.