Setting the Proper Tone for a Termination Meeting

Firing an employee can be difficult, but if you approach it the right way, it doesn't have to be torturous for you or the employee.

While you can't control an employee's actions, you can maintain a positive and professional attitude that may help prevent any bitterness.

Keep the tone of a termination meeting positive; creating a tense atmosphere may make your employee resentful and more likely to resort to legal action. Consider these ways to help keep the meeting upbeat:

Thank the employee. Start the meeting by sincerely thanking the employee for their contribution to your company.

Don’t assess blame or make apologies. There's no reason to blame the employee or the company for the termination. Just explain that the company's needs don't match the employee’s particular skills. Express regret that the employment relationship didn't work out, but don't apologize.

Be clear and answer questions. Make sure the employee understands that he or she is being terminated. Once you've explained the situation, let the employee ask questions. Getting fired is usually a stressful experience, so give them a minute to clear their head.

Let your employee respond. Let the employee speak their mind. Don't interrupt, contradict, or try to defend yourself or the company. Arguing will only create resentment and frustration on the part of the employee. Acknowledge any valid points (but be careful not to "admit" any wrongdoing), and tell the employee that you appreciate their input and candor.

End on a positive note. Thank the employee for their contributions and wish them luck in the future. When the meeting is over, stand up and shake their hand.