Letting someone go
I have hired before but haven't had to fire/layoff anyone. I am running a small organization with 7 people and a great culture. I am going to have to let one particular person go this week. Any advice? I can't say this is solely a budget decision, though it does play into it. Thanks for any advice.
Anonymous
11/02/20 at 6:39PM UTC
Thank you! I think the hard part here is that we need to go in a different direction. This person does what they were hired to do but I need more strategic leadership in this role and honestly I need completely different skills. For instance, if I have an editor but need someone with media relations background. You don't wake up one morning and become a media relations expert but that is what the organization needs now---even though we didn't need that 6 years ago when this person was hired.
Kate Mata
Channel Partner Success at The Mom Project
35
11/02/20 at 10:04PM UTC
Makes sense. It's a business, after all. Does this person know that they need someone with media relations? If not, just be clear about the direction the company is headed. And again give them grace to try to find another role, severance if you can!
Kate MataChannel Partner Success at The Mom Project
35
11/02/20 at 6:24PM UTC
My biggest piece of advice:
Make sure they aren't blindsided. They should see this coming.
Do they know their performance hasn't been up to speed? Have they been working on it and just still haven't gotten to where the team needs them to be? Or whatever the case is for them not being a good fit. People deserve full transparency and honesty. Be supportive of a transition program, let them apply for other jobs, etc.
Best of luck. Those conversations are always hard. It never gets easier. But you'll be relieved after you rip the band aid.
