{"id":100,"date":"2018-08-15T22:49:29","date_gmt":"2018-08-15T22:49:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/danielvlopes238992071.wordpress.com\/2018\/08\/15\/is-it-your-first-time-firing-someone-here-are-4-things-to-know\/"},"modified":"2025-02-28T10:53:13","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T18:53:13","slug":"is-it-your-first-time-firing-someone-here-are-4-things-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canopy.is\/blog\/2018\/08\/15\/is-it-your-first-time-firing-someone-here-are-4-things-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it your first time firing someone? Here are 4 things to know."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ugh. Firing someone never gets easier\u200a\u2014\u200abut keeping these tips in mind can make it go as smoothly as possible the first time around.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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I\u2019ll never forget the first time I fired someone. She was the first employee I\u2019d ever hired at Know Your Team. And she was someone I\u2019d looked up to since I was 19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the time, I remember the realization hitting me: \u201cWow, this is the first time you\u2019re going to fire someone, Claire.\u201d The dread, the panic, the sick pit-of-the-stomach feeling hit me hard. Since then, having done it a few more times, I will say letting someone goes never gets easier. But there are a few things I wish I would\u2019ve known earlier:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carve out time to prepare.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is not an off-the-cuff conversation to be had. I find it best to thoughtfully write out what I\u2019m going to say, concisely and clearly, so I don\u2019t accidentally say something I don\u2019t mean to. Here are some tips on how to deliver the news of letting someone go<\/a>. I also spend time contemplating what the person\u2019s reaction might be. While you can\u2019t control for it, at least anticipating how they might react can help you prepare and be mentally ready for an emotional outburst or harsh words thrown your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t overlook logistical details.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget about the logistics involved when you fire someone. Keep track of what company property they have, what systems they have access to, and how you\u2019ll handle those items. Best practice tends to be that all property is returned and all access is revoked immediately\u200a\u2014\u200abut there may be exceptions in your case. (For example, perhaps you want to give the employee a chance to publicly say \u201cthank you\u201d to the company via email). Lastly, consider who else should be in in the room. Depending on the size of your company, having a third party or HR representative is typically a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loop in legal.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Potential legal fallout can catch you off guard unless you\u2019re prepared. Make sure your company\u2019s legal counsel is aware of the situation so they can make sure your bases are covered. Don\u2019t assume otherwise. Even if it\u2019s an employee you\u2019ve trusted for years, firing her or him will change your relationship instantly. I\u2019ve seen other founders and managers get caught in compromising situations because they failed to have a conversation with legal before letting someone go. It never hurts to be on the safe side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remind yourself: The other person has it worse.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

No matter how you frame it, this isn\u2019t going to make the person feel good. Accept it. Don\u2019t try to sugarcoat or over-justify your decision. You\u2019ve made it, so own it. The worst thing you can do is saying something like, \u201cI wish I didn\u2019t have to do this\u201d or \u201cThis makes me feel terrible\u201d\u200a\u2014\u200aboth are insincere statements. Be direct, get to the point quickly, and don\u2019t linger in the room afterward. Mind their privacy and pay attention to their reaction. Word travels fast among employees, so how you handle<\/a> this first firing can set a tone within your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a deeper dive, be sure to check out our \u201cHow to Fire a Team Member<\/a>\u201d module in Canopy. The first few lessons are free \u2013 as are hundreds of daily tips. Try Canopy<\/a><\/em> for free, yourself, today.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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