firing / layoff

msmoore27

I have 2 assistants who work for me and I am going to be firing one on Friday.  She's really sweet and nice but terribly dumb and really not very good at her job.  I hired her replacement last week and he starts next Monday, so Friday is the day I let her go.

She is not expecting it despite the fact that she is constantly making mistakes which I point out to her constantly (just another example of how totally clueless she is).  There are going to be a LOT of tears, I'm sure.  I've had to let someone go before but they knew it was coming and they didn't really care, so it was pretty easy. 

Any advice?  I am dreading Friday already.  I'm not sure how I'm going to make it through the week with her desk right near mine...  It just feels disingenuous somewhere to put on a smile and be nice to her all week when I know this is coming.

RD913

ouvh.  Wish I could help.  I've only been on the other side of the desk (I was laid off due to budget cuts), so I don't have any advice.  I would say that you should be very clear with the reasons why she is being laid off.  Try to give specific examples of how she hasn't improved or isn't doing the job.  Not going to be easy no matter what you do.

liubride510

Oh Anna this is hard to do espcially because you're a nice person. But the best way to do it is to stick to the facts and give a few examples. I've never had to fire someone before but I had to give bad reviews and warnings. Its always best to stick to the facts and don't make it personal.

kaesha

Boo-urns! That sounds like all kinds of no fun for both of you. I've got nothing for you in terms of firing her gently. Maybe the goal is to be quick and efficient rather than to try and cushion the blow.

Amy4773

I hate having to do this kind of stuff (reason #826 that I don't want to work in HR anymore).  Typically it's much less emotional than you think it will be.  The ones I'm most worried about are always the ones that aren't so bad.  A lot of times people are so stunned that they are in shock through the conversation and don't have the reaction that you thought they might.  Keep it as short and to-the-point as possible, no extra conversation at all.  Definitely give her some examples of why she's being let go and wish her the best.  No fun.

myday1708

Have you seen the movie The Invention of Lying? LOL. Made me think of that. You should write "You're Fired" on a post-it and stick it to her computer screen when she's out at lunch. :-P Sorry, I'm no help. I'm sure you'll be fine. Just don't cry when she starts to cry! 

msmoore27

myday1708:

Just don't cry when she starts to cry! 

 Yeah, this is what I'm worried about!

Seriously though, thanks for the good advice everyone.  I have a serious tendency to ramble and also to make things personal and I think it's a really good idea to be brief and extremely professional. 

One thing is for sure: I will be needing a stiff drink after work on Friday!

pbear

No advice but that has to be tough. Good luck

 

I've had to terminate volunteers but that's a different situation.