Tips on how to fire someone...

[TheoPetro]

We hired a secretary that didn't workout and I need to let her go this friday. I have never fired anyone before (im 21) and I am honestly not looking forward to it. She was a decent person but her skill level and attention to detail were not anywhere near what we were looking for. Anyone have any tips of what to say to her?

 

[GMI]

call her on sunday and tell her not to come in on Monday!

I never like firing people, but standard procedure seems to be "you have great and very valuable skills, just not what the company needs right now, bt we'll keep you in mind if we need someone of your skillset" usually by then they get the message and wants to avoid further conversation already.

 

[TheoPetro]

we will be the only two in the office that day too. (were a small/very lean company)

 

[Jhill]

Just say how long have you worked here next September. When she says it will be 1 year. Smoke a cigarette and say no it won't.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

It's never easy, but brief and to the point seems to work best.

 

[sandmanwake]

"It's not you, it's us. We just don't think you're a good fit for the company."

You should also deliver the message via email or IM.

 

[yankeesfan]

Always try to avoid confrontation, whenever possible. Problem is solved from your end.

 

[NanoStuff]

It's the incompetent ones that are willing to offer other highly valuable services. Consider if she's *open* to ideas. She might have a lot to contribute to your company by greatly increasing worker morale.

 

[Kirby]

Bring a bunch of employees in. The say, "Alright. Everyone who has a job step forward. Oh, not so fast so-and-so."

 

[QED]

Don't tell her anything about being fired. Simply contact Payroll and let them know she won't be receiving a paycheck any more. Then, at random intervals, request that she move her desk to some other, less desirable, location. Also, take her prized stapler away.

Eventually she'll get the idea-- or maybe not. But in either case, you avoided confrontation so it's not your problem.

 

[Saint Michael]

Tell her the "better Nate than lever" joke but just crap out right before the punch line and just say "Ah, forget it, btw ur fired lol".

 

[Fritzo]

How about "My unfortunate sexual attraction to you makes me have to terminate you before I risk a lawsuit." Breathe heavily when you say it. A little drool helps too.

 

[AnyMal]

All you have to do is tell her: "pack your shit and get the fvck outta here!!!!"

Simple

 

[Balt]

Do it like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7eeIecvuNQ

 

[RossMAN]

De-activate her work pass, delete her e-mail account, change her voicemail greeting and change her LAN access.

Maybe she'll just get the hint?

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: Jhill
Just say how long have you worked here next September. When she says it will be 1 year. Smoke a cigarette and say no it won't.

 

[bctbct]

I have found what works for me is to keep what you say to the point, without deatils and avoid any statements that may seem like a question to her or that you are inviting a debate.

I have never fired a girl so you are pretty much fucked because she is going to cry.

 

[nick1985]

Scream in her face "YOU'RE FIRED". Then laugh in her face Nelson style...then proceed to powerbomb her through her desk. Once the powerbomb is complete tell her to GTFO and make sure the door doesnt hit her ass on the way out. This method is statistically proven to reduce 'postal' incidents.

:thumbsup:

 

[d33pt]

Originally posted by: bctbct
I have found what works for me is to keep what you say to the point, without deatils and avoid any statements that may seem like a question to her or that you are inviting a debate.

I have never fired a girl so you are pretty much fucked because she is going to cry.

there should be no crying at work. that's just uncalled for.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: d33pt

Originally posted by: bctbct
I have found what works for me is to keep what you say to the point, without deatils and avoid any statements that may seem like a question to her or that you are inviting a debate.

I have never fired a girl so you are pretty much fucked because she is going to cry.

there should be no crying at work. that's just uncalled for.

Well there's no crying in baseball and look how that turned out in "A League of Their Own".

 

[imported_Imp]

Come in early, meet her at door and give her a note. Either stay and discuss or haul ass inside and hold the door closed, lock it or change the lock/code.

 

[anxi80]

tell her she doesn't have to go home but she's got to get the hell up out of there.

 

[Gibson486]

Have RossMan do it.

 

[tasmanian]

Originally posted by: Gibson486
Have RossMan do it.

You could have her call RossMan and have RossMan fire her over the phone line.

 

[BurnItDwn]

To start, does she have any reason to suspect that she's getting canned?
I mean, when she messes up is she getting written up or warned?
Is there a record that shows "here is how many times there were screw ups, here is how much work didn't get done" etc?

Just be honest and tell her you have to let her go. Do it in private and be respectful.

It's OK to feel bad about it. It's OK to feel sorry, but don't let your feelings dictate your business. Present all the facts and give her as much warning as you can.

Do what you have to do.