Before letting somebody go, consider these nine important questions:
- Will this person be blindsided if I let them go? It should never be a surprise to someone that they are being let go.
- How well do I understand the standards for good performance in this job?
- How have I been performing as this person’s leader?
- As their leader, how am I a problem for them?
- In what areas have I failed them as a leader?
- How can I be more helpful to this person?
- Do I need to replace this person, and if so, how likely am I to find someone better?
- How fast can I get someone else up to speed who is a better fit for this job?
- Do I have reason to believe this person either cannot or will not improve as needed?
Reflecting on these questions can help you make more informed decisions when considering letting someone go.
