10 Stupid Things Bosses Say When They Fire People

LEADERSHIP Presented by
6 min read
10 Stupid Things Bosses Say
When They Fire People
Goals
Create a Personal
Business Plan
That Youll Really
Use
799
J
194
V
292
m + Q
6
@
OCTOBER 7, 2014
LinkedIn Influencer, Jeff Haden, published this post originally on
LinkedIn.
Getting fired sucks. And getting fired sucks even worse when the
person letting you go says something foolish, stupid, or even
insulting.
After all, the sole goal of the people doing the firing is to treat
the employee as respectfully and compassionately as possible.
Their feelings? Irrelevant.
Which is why bosses should never say any of the following:
1. "Look, this is really hard for me."
Who cares if its hard for you? The employee certainly doesnt.
Talk about how difficult the situation is for you and the employee
immediately thinks, "Really? What about me? How hard do you
think this is on me?" If you feel badand you willtalk through
your feelings later with someone else. (If you're like me,
sometimes you'll second-guess yourself too.)
Also never say, Look, I don't know how to say this You do
JEFF HADEN
V
TRENDING: How the Super Rich Spend Their Money
E J V
Latest Top 50 How To Lists
10 Stupid Things Bosses Say When They Fire People http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/238143
1 of 8 08/10/2014 12:48
8 Ways to Stay
Calm During a
Crisis
Leadership
Advice for
Entry-Level
Employees: How
to Be Authentic in
the Workplace
2. "We've decided we need to make a change."
You're not an NBA team firing an unsuccessful coach. And you're
not holding a press conference either, so skip the platitudes. If
you've done your job right the employee already knows why he's
being fired. (Here's a straightforward guide to firing people the
right way.)
State the reason for your action as clearly and concisely as
possible. Or just say, "Mark, I have to let you go."
Mark should already know why.
3. "We will work out some of the details later."
For the employee getting fired is both the end and the start of
another process: Collecting personal items, returning company
property, learning about benefits status, etc.
It's your job to know how all that works ahead of time. Getting
fired is bad enough; sitting in limbo while you figure out the next
steps is humiliating for an employee who wants nothing more
than to leave.
Never make an employee wait to meet with others who are part
of the process. Once you let an employee go she's on her time,
not yours.
Related: The Caddyshack Guide to Business Communication
(LinkedIn)
4. "Compared to Juan, you just aren't cutting it."
Never justify firing an employee by comparing them to someone
else. Employees should be fired because they fail to meet
standards, targets, or behavioral expectations.
Plus, drawing comparisons between employees makes it
possible for what should be an objective decision to veer into
the personality zone, a conversational black hole you will
struggle to escape.
5. "Okay, lets talk about that. Heres why..."
Most employees sit quietly, but a few will want to argue. Never
let yourself be dragged into a back-and-forth discussion. Just
say, "Pete, we can talk about this as long as you like, but you
should understand that nothing we discuss will change the
decision." While that sounds harsh, it's not. Besides, arguments
almost always make the employee feel worse.
Be professional, be empathetic, and stick to the facts. Don't feel
E J V
2 of 8 08/10/2014 12:48
6. "Youve been a solid employee but we simply
have to cut staffing."
If you truly are downsizing, leave performance out and just say
you're downsizing.
But if you're not actually downsizing and you're hiding behind
that excuse so the conversation is easier for you then you do the
employee a disserviceand you open your business up to
potential problems if you later hire someone to fill the open slot.
Never play games to try to protect the employee's feelingsor,
worse, to protect your own. Just be direct.
7. "We both know you aren't happy here, so down
the road youll be glad."
Whether or not the employee will someday be glad you let her
go is not for you to judge. Don't expect employees to find a
silver lining in the cloud of getting fired, at least not at first. Let
them find their own glimmers of possibility.
8. "I need to walk you to the door."
I once worked for a company where the policy was to
immediately escort terminated employees out of the building.
(And I hated it.)
Getting fired doesn't make an employee a criminal, so dont put
them through walks of shame. Just set simple parameters. Say,
"Jane, please gather up your personal belongings and I'll meet
you back here in 10 minutes."
If Jane doesn't come back on time, go get her. She won't argue.
9. "We have decided to let you go."
The word "we" is appropriate in almost every setting... but not
this one. Say, "I."
At this moment, you are the company. So take responsibility.
Related: 10 Qualities of Really Amazing Employees (LinkedIn)
10. "If there is anything I can do for you, just let
me know."
Like what? Write a glowing letter of recommendation? Call your
connections and put in a good word for him? (Of course if you're
forced to lay off good employees due to lack of work, definitely
do anything you can to help them land on their feet.)
You should absolutely say, "If you have any questions about
benefits, final paychecks, or other details, call me. I'll make sure
you get the answers you need." But never offer to do things you
E J V
3 of 8 08/10/2014 12:48
LEADERSHIP Presented by
Image credit: Keith Allison | Flickr
6 min read
Derek Jeter Wrote the Playbook
for Young Professionals
you feel better.
Leadership Managing Employees Communication Strategies Firing
Leadership Qualities
R VIEW COMMENTS (6)
799
J
194
V
292
m + Q
385
J
308
V
271
m + Q
1
@
E J V
4 of 8 08/10/2014 12:48
Millennials
The Jury Is Still
Out on Texting for
Professional
Communication
Social Media
Prepare for That
Big Meeting by
Studying the
Hints Your
Prospect Leaves
Online
Networking
How to Make the
Most of a First
over the past 19 years. I had the opportunity to meet Derek in his
rookie year, when he was nice enough to sign an autograph
during batting practice. I remember, as an 11 year old, saying
Thanks, Derek- you are a future Hall of Famer. The humble
rookie responded, I dont know about that kid.
It is an interaction I will never forget. My praise may have
seemed a bit premature, as he was three months into his starting
role, but even from his rookie year he displayed a sense of
friendliness and humility. No matter where your baseball
allegiance stands, young professionals can learn an abundance
of lessons from the shortstop. How much Derek Jeter are you in
building your business or career?
Related: Farewell Derek Jeter, a True Role Model and Leader
1. Vision. Jeter knew from a young age that he wanted to play
professional baseball and specifically, be the short stop for the
New York Yankees. Unless you are from New England or Queens,
who wouldnt? I believe that Dereks career farewell is so
poignant because it is beyond baseball. Tears flowed from
mature fans over the past week. When we watched number 2
perform his signature jump-throw, we were watching someone
capturing their childhood dream.
Vision statements have become clich in the professional
development space, mainly because they are effective, but a
young professional beginning a 20-, 30- or 40-year career, is well
served by a compelling vision statement. Your vision statement
will guide your decision making and keep you fighting on
discouraging days. I don't know if Jeter wrote down on paper
what he wanted to accomplish, but no one doubts he was clear
on what he wanted his future to look like.
2. Mentor. Jeter has always been cool, calm and collected. His
demeanor was similar to his first manager, Mr. Joe Torre. I
frequently wonder if Dereks flawless demeanor, on and off the
field, would have been different if a hardhead like Lou Pinella
was his manager during his formative years? As a young
professional, having the proper mentor to help with on-the-field
skills, along with how to handle off-the-field situations, will
influence the trajectory for your career.
3. The gift. A mentor and friend of mine, who leads a firm of
financial professionals, often talks about how the best leaders
and organizations give their people the gift of high
expectations. Derek played his entire career in the capital of the
world. Americans know New York is a tough town that demands
the most of its professionals. Derek had the gift of high
EDDY RICCI
CONTRIBUTOR
Author/Founder The
Growth Game;
Professional
Development for the
Next Business Age
Q V m @
E J V
5 of 8 08/10/2014 12:48
Royal? Professionals are forced to keep the foot on the
accelerator and be the best version of themselves when they are
a part of an organization with teammates who have high
expectations.
Related: Why Derek Jeter Is So Admired
4. Forget the other guy. Derek never worried about the other
guy. Dereks legacy was built in an era when many of his
competitors were using illegal substances to improve their
performance. Derek used talent and work ethic. As a Jeter fan,
you would frequently have to go to bat against attacks on #2.
How many players did we hear were better than Jeter for the
past 20 years?
In all due respect to Nomar Garciaparra, Miguel Tejada and Jose
Reyes, I think the verdict is now evident. As for other talented
players on the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez may have had more pure
talent than Jeter but Derek possessed the intangibles, work ethic
and integrity. The country appreciated his greatness in his final
season while A-rod, a more naturally talented player, was
suspended for various elements of dishonesty. As a young
professional, you will face plenty of career distractions and
competition. Dont waste time worrying about people and things
out of your control. Run your own race.
5. Loyalty and longevity. Many players put in extra effort the
year before free agency to spur a bidding war. Jeter spent his
entire career in one uniform. Granted, sometimes you need to
make changes to advance your career but millennials are
changing jobs every 30 months. Loyalty is shown in work ethic,
honesty and team spirit alone. Derek built a legendary and loyal
career by staying in the game and consistently producing.
6. Clutch. When things on the diamond sped up, Derek had an
ability to slow the situation down. From game winning bloop
singles to right to the iconic flip play against Oakland in 2001,
Derek was a winner with his perennial clutch play. He was the
guy the organization and fans wanted at the plate when the
pressure was highest.
A clutch single in a critical moment means more than a home run
in blow-out game. Does your organization want you in the
batters box when the going gets rough? If not, think of the
systems you can build to help you put your best foot forward in
high pressure situations. A few people are just born clutch but
most of us need to work on it. The more uncomfortable situations
you address head on in the professional world, the more you
E J V
6 of 8 08/10/2014 12:48
he always does the right thing. He had fun doing his job, was
excellent at it and was never caught in a bad situation. He was a
team player who put his teammates and the organization ahead
of his own goals. I cannot recall one time he has messed up in
the public light in 20 years while in the media capital of the
world. In your career, when faced with tough decisions you could
simply ask, How would Derek Jeter handle this? You probably
would make the right decision.
Finding a professional athlete that you can model your
non-sports career after has been a challenge over the past few
decades. More important than Derek's 3,400+ hits, 14 All Star
appearances, MVPs and five championships, he wrote the
playbook on how the intangibles like integrity are what make
young professionals the best version of themselves.
For what its worth, thank you Derek for being a professional in
every sense of the word.
Related: 10 Wise Observations From Derek Jeter to Inspire
Entrepreneurs
Leadership Millennials Derek Jeter Living Your Personal Brand
R VIEW COMMENTS (1)
385
J
308
V
271
m + Q
E J V
7 of 8 08/10/2014 12:48
Company
Advertise
Brand Licensing
Contact Us
Staff
Events
Winning Strategies
Growth Conference
Products
Business Books
Reprints & Licensing
eServices
Classifieds
International
Editions
China
Middle East
Mexico
Philippines
South Africa
Follow
Entrepreneur
J Facebook
V Twitter
m LinkedIn
@ Google+
Pinterest
Instagram
@ YouTube
Tumblr
m RSS
Free Trial Issue
Gift Subscriptions
Subscriber Services
Digital Editions
iOS Android
Kindle
Copyright 2014 Entrepreneur Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use Privacy Policy Site Map
Franchise Business Opportunity Make Money From Home Business Top Franchise Businesses
E J V
8 of 8 08/10/2014 12:48

10 Stupid Things Bosses Say When They Fire People

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

10 Stupid Things Bosses Say When They Fire People

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

LEADERSHIP Presented by

You might also like