Jobs aren't always about hiring people. Although it would be nice to never lay off or fire employees, this isn't the case when companies downsize and employees don't do their jobs, aren't competent or don't follow company policies. At times, you have to lay off people or fire them. As much as you might want to use Donald Trump's catch phrase, "You're fired" and be done with the employee. This works in reality TV, but not in real life. Firing someone isn't that simple. You have to remember that your soon-to-be ex-employee depends on their paychecks to provide for their families. When you let someone go, you're unleveling their world. They've got to figure out how they're going to provide for their families, pay their bills, find new health insurance and where to find another job. This will be a stressful time for them. These employees will show a range of emotions such as angry, fear, confusion, surprise, guilt and sadness. So compassion is a must when having these tough talks and firing employees.
Before you talk with the employee, you have to be in the right head space. Realize that you're uprooting someone's world as they know it. Showing compassion and sensitivity is a must. When firing an employee, it isn't business as usual and if it is then you need to re-examine your business plan.
Remember that your body sends silent messages that others understand on a subconscious level. Here are some body language tips to make this difficult conversation a little easier for both of you.
1. Choose a quiet place with limited distractions and a convenient exit out the building. Your ex-employee shouldn't have a walk of shame through the building.
2. Use body leveraging. Sit a lower lower than the employee so that you're looking up slightly at them. This move shows respect and sensitivity.
3. Remember to talk in a calm voice and normal speech rate. Strong emotions such as anger and excitement tend to raise your voice.
4. Active listen for underlying emotions that you're seeing in their facial expressions and hearing in their voices. When you acknowledge how the employee is feeling then you're being compassionate to the impact this decision is having on them. They'll feel respected even though they're losing their job.
5. Stick to the facts. Many times, employees will plead their case, negotiate, promise to make changes so that they can keep their jobs. The decision is final so there's no reason to prolong a conversation. Just to the decision of the dismissal and the next steps for the ex-employee.
6. When listening, nod your head on occasion and give eye contact as this shows respect.
If you have any questions, you'll find me on Twitter at @blancacobb with #BlancaOn2. Or, on my facebook page.
Blanca Cobb is a WFMY News 2 Contributing Editor, body language expert and keynote speaker. Follow her @blancacobb. The opinions expressed in this article are exclusively hers.
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