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Fear of the "F" Word

Staffing Stream

Fear of the "F" Word

March 13, 2013
Fire letter

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About 18 months ago, I wrote one of my most popular posts about the disdain many people have for a frequently used expletive, of sorts. Many people are terrified of this “F” word, and why wouldn’t they be? Saying it makes people uncomfortable.

Now, before your mind goes too far with this, the “F” word I’m referring to is “fire.” Employees hate being fired, and most managers despise being on the delivering end of this news. However, letting someone go is often an act of compassion.

MORE: Leadership And Employee Management — Leading the Way, Simply

If someone is not meeting expectations, and the interventions you’ve employed are not changing that, then it’s time to let go. By firing that individual, using the most compassionate communication methods you can, you actually engage an even more powerful “F” word, “facilitation.” When it no longer makes sense to continue someone’s employment, this facilitates their moving on and yours as well. Many successful people have been canned earlier in their careers, such as actor Jerry Seinfeld, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick. Yet, these firings became the impetus that enabled them to reach greater successes.

So, go ahead, when it’s time to let someone go, fire with compassion. When you do, you may just be creating some opportunities for those people to experience some other “F” words, such as another job that’s a better FIT or a life opportunity that is simply FABULOUS.

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