When hiring new employees, most bosses or management personnel have already sent out a job description, have seen a resume, spoken to the person, checked the references and made the job offer. Both parties are hoping that this is the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship. What if it is not?
Maybe this job was really just not the right fit for the employee. They just don’t seem to be catching on as well as they should have. The job seems to be too difficult or confusing for them. You have spoken to them and given them a second or even third chance. Still not working. It is time to let them go. After all, you are running a business and if the employee is not performing as is required, that employee is no longer an asset to your company.
You are not a horrible person and you feel bad about having to let an employee go. It would be easy if there was a blatant serious infraction. It is not so difficult to let someone go who is stealing from you or deliberately trying to undermine your business. It is easy to let the person go who does not care about their job and really has no intention of performing in the necessary capacity. It is the gray area that is more difficult.
If your employee handbook is clear about job duties and responsibilities, this should make your job easier. You can easily point out where this particular employee is not working out. Being a good boss means knowing how to be tactful when necessary. If you have to let someone go who is just not doing what you need them to do, let them know that you appreciate their effort, but this is just not the right fit for either one of you. Your reputation as a boss depends on you being able to handle this very difficult part of management.
