The Hardest Thing a Leader Will Do

Firing someone is among a manager's least favorite things to do. For anyone with a heart, it's the dreaded duty that comes with the title. But, for any leader that's committed to creating an extraordinary team, it's an inevitable reality.

When you're put in this position, where you must let someone go, how do you do this well? There's no secret solution that fits everyone across the board - but there are some ways to navigate this terrifying territory. Donald Trump's approach on the Apprentice is not the model to follow. I have put together my most straight-forward suggestions, the five C's.

HOW TO FIRE SOMEONE HUMANELY NOT HORRIFICALLY

1. Caution. Nobody should be fired without some forewarning, unless the person is breaking the law or known and accepted protocols. Make sure you are coaching your employees effectively which will minimize those that need firing. (See my post, 8 Steps to High Performance Coaching.) Give employees at least one notice that outlines your concerns and shares your expectations. If an employee isn't given a fair shot, it's just not right to send him packing.

2. Compassion. Consider the circumstances of the employee. A level of empathy and sensitivity is critical when you fire someone because despite how uncomfortable you are, this is one of the worst things for an employee to experience.

3. Candid. Don't drag the conversation out longer than it needs to last-usually a few minutes. Get to the point. Be straight-forward without losing your sincerity. If you sugar coat your message, it'll get lost in translation. If you are too harsh or judgmental, you'll leave them feeling hopeless and resentful. Do your best to balance hope and honesty.

4. Conserve. Maintain your professionalism. Prepare for the conversation, and consult your boss or human resources for advice. Reserve a space that's private. You want to deliver the news to them in a way that provides them with tangible feedback to apply in the future. This experience could developmentally progress them if it's done well.

5. Complement. Identify strengths in the employees you fire, so that you explain to them what they have to offer in other environments. If you make it solely about what they're lacking, they'll leave feeling worthless. If you know of an opportunity that seems to be suitable for them, share these options with them. Be genuine. If you are a fake - you're harming, not helping.

I leave you with a quote from Steve Jobs that will bring some hope to this hard process. The reason I share it is because it demonstrates that letting someone go can sometimes free individuals to move in unexpected ways. "I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life."

Firing someone is just one of the tough tasks of a leader. But if it's done well, your team will be better off, and even the employee you fire can be freed to find a better fit.

Are you open to assess your leadership strengths and weaknesses so that you can improve? If so, take this complimentarySuperstar Leadership Assessment.

Is your company going through significant change? See this complimentary eBook: Changing Change Management.

Do you want to learn how to be a one of the best leaders? If so, I suggest you check out my new book: Superstar Leadership.