Graceful Termination

What is the best way to fire or otherwise let an employee go? Early in my career I am sure I would have tarnished the Name in such situations had I not been guided by a godly HR / People Ops director. This article lists outcomes I have experienced by taking a Christ-like approach to difficult personnel decisions.

Negative personnel matters are never pleasurable, and I always lose sleep when faced with this responsibility. It may not be possible to succinctly describe a best way to handle these situations but this I know. In them I fill the sleepless void with prayer. Prayer for wisdom in how to deliver the news; prayer for empathy for the individuals involved; and prayer for grace in handling the negative and harsh responses that naturally arise. 

This is one area in which I confidently proclaim the power of prayer, because I cannot think of one person I have “let go” that I would not feel comfortable calling or running into on the street. Here are examples of outcomes I have experienced by taking a Christ-like approach to difficult personnel decisions.

• A former employee thanked me for firing them because it led the individual into a career for which they were more gifted. 

• A former disciplined employee offered to be a reference and help me land a new job. 

• I pulled the plug on an acquisition during the 11th hour and left the other business owner reeling. Before, during, and after we prayed with one another over various business and personal matters. We continue to do business with one another to this day. 

• A former “bad performer” who once cussed me out later became one of my best 1099 contractors. I was blessed to pray with this person through a medical situation she and my wife had in common. Then, during COVID I had to terminate the contract. Our partnership is as strong as ever. 

What experiences or outcomes have you had? Please share in the comments.