We talk about hiring a lot here on the Joy to Lead Podcast, but something many of us may find we’re ill-prepared for is firing.
What do you do when you decide it’s time to let a team member go, and how do you navigate having that conversation?
In today’s episode we cover how to know it’s time to let a team member go, the 6 steps to take in having that “firing” conversation confidently and gracefully.

Listen to the episode now!
Firing – here’s how
Here are some tips we covered in the episode about hosting a “firing” meeting (and, yes, it does need to be a face-to-face convo!)
- Be up front and direct about why you’re meeting. “I called this meeting because I have decided…”
- Be clear about why (but not too lengthy) – share 2-3 major, clear reasons why you made the decision
- Thank them, specifically, for things they did do well for you/what you appreciate about them
- “Do you have any questions before I discuss offboarding?”
- Share the steps they can expect to take from here – what will you be sending them, what do they no longer have access to, etc.?
- Reiterate how you are grateful for their time/how they specifically served the company, then end the conversation
What else do we discuss in this episode?
- Communication and feedback through the pre-firing phase
- Hosting the “firing” meeting
- What to have prepared before the meeting
- How to serve the team member through offboarding
- What day of the week is best to have the meeting, and why
Helpful Resources
For more information on the Leadership Academy, visit www.joytolead.com/academy!
To learn more about the Dream to Team Hiring Course & Template Bundle, click here!