Termination
Manager
Calm
Delivering a layoff conversation with dignity
You have to tell a well-liked employee their role is being eliminated.
Strategy
Say the decision in the first fifteen seconds. Do not build up to it. The rest of the conversation belongs to them, not to your discomfort. Coordinate with HR before you sit down.
I have hard news and I am going to say it plainly. Your role is being eliminated as of the 30th. This is a decision about the structure of the team, not about your performance. It is final. Here is what happens next: severance, benefits through the end of the quarter, and a reference from me. Take a minute. Then ask me anything.
If they push back
If they ask why them: "I know that question matters. The decision was made at the function level based on where the roles sit, not on a ranking of people. I will not pretend it is fair to you."
What not to say
- This is harder for me than it is for you
- We may be able to bring you back
- I fought for you
- At least you get severance
Follow-up
As promised, here is the severance summary and HR contact. My offer of a reference stands, today and a year from now. Send me the roles you are looking at.