One of the hardest things about this process for a sensitive and compassionate leader is knowing when to not try and "make it better." This is probably the greatest video clip on the subject of all time: [this video]
Clip on delivering bad news without trying to soften it
It's extra funny, because the same movie has this wonderful scene I refer to often when I'm working as a consultant: [this video] TL;DW: "We're professionals, treat me like a professional. If it's not working out, say so, and I'll make it right or we'll shake hands and part ways on good terms". I used to provide clients with a "how to fire me" document because it made them feel comfortable hiring me in the first place. (Tell me, I return materials, pay me outstanding balances, here's the keys you change, here's how we wrap up the contract terms, etc etc) I've been "fired" a bunch of times, and at times have had those same clients that "fired" me refer me to new clients. It's the same as with most technical work, I find: if you're not failing at least sometimes, you're not pushing the limits of what is possible.
Scene on professional, straightforward parting of ways
Getting fired is bad enough, but if it's being done by someone bad at firing people it's the worst. Moneyball had some solid advice: "Be straight with them, no fluff, just facts. 'Pete I gotta let you go. Jack's office will handle the details.'" That's it. [1]: [this video]
Moneyball scene modeling straight, no-fluff firing
I'm reminded of a clip from the movie Moneyball: [this video] I really like your suggestion that someone check in with the person in a couple days. That helps address the charitable desire without compromising the need for performance at work.
Agree with you. Saw something like this not too long ago where it was not handled crisply. There were no long-lasting consequences as far as I know and I can't get into the details but it was just sloppy and leaked all over the place. I think your advice is well dramatized by this Moneyball scene: [this video]
> Apologize to the employees leaving as a company. Explain why. Tell them what happens next. Apologize again. 100% bang on. I've been through a layoff, it sucked but the company were straight-forward, didn't mince their words and didn't fuck around. If I had to sit through some spiel about how the manager or CEO felt, I would've been upset. It reminded me of the scene when Jonah Hill's character in Moneyball learned how to tell a player they were cut/traded from their baseball team, and then had to actually do it ( [this video] )
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