"I hate firing people. My heart always wonders if I could have done more to make it work, or if I should have given them another chance. But my head knows that I cannot run a profitable business AND employ people who don't meet the standards of the company."
As harsh as that may sound, that leader is entirely correct.
At some point it becomes obvious that a team member or colleague isn't making the cut, no matter how many opportunities they are given. And while we tend to look at firing someone in a negative light, it doesn't necessarily have to be that way
How to give them "professional kindness"
It's true that delivering unwanted news to an employee will never be a fun job, but there are ways to frame it in a different, more positive light.
In other words, it is important to use professional kindness.
Give them a reason. You don't need to go into minute details, but it can be helpful to offer constructive feedback as to why this decision was made. Remember, it's not just about firing someone who isn't a good fit for your company, it's also about being a part of their growth going forward.
