Assess the situation
Use objective questions to consider whether further coaching or termination is the appropriate next step.
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Hiring and firing
Termination of Employment
Handle a difficult employment decision with preparation, clarity and respect.
Termination conversations affect the departing employee, the manager and the team that remains. Learn how to distinguish coaching from termination, prepare the process, conduct the conversation and communicate appropriately afterward.
- Consider whether coaching or termination is appropriate.
- Prepare and conduct a focused conversation.
- Support clarity and stability across the remaining team.
Course providerProfessional Leadership Institute
Course structure6 modules + introduction and wrap-up
Course focusPreparation. Respect. Post-termination leadership.
Bring your learning to work
Prepare for a difficult responsibility.
For business owners and people managers responsible for employment decisions and the conversations that follow them.
Prepare the process
Coordinate the necessary organizational and professional guidance before the meeting.
Conduct the conversation
Keep the conversation clear, respectful and focused while preparing for different responses.
Lead the team afterward
Communicate appropriately, reduce uncertainty and help the remaining team move forward.
Your course at a glance
What you’ll learn
Curriculum shown directly from this course in Thinkific.
START Introduction
- Before You Begin
- WelcomeFree preview
- Download: Firing Cheat Sheet
01 Module 1: Why Fire Someone
- Module 1 IntroductionFree preview
- Unproductive RelationshipsFree preview
- Reading: About a Rapidly Growing Business
- Termination is the Best Solution in the Long TermFree preview
- It's Normal to Feel Fear!Free preview
- Module 1 Quiz
02 Module 2: Who Needs to be Fired and Who Needs to be Coached?
- Module 2 Introduction
- Download: The Star Chart + How to Get the Right People in the Right Seats Cheat Sheet
- 4 Essential Questions to Keep in Mind
- Watch Out for 'Dumbsizing'
- Module 2 Quiz
03 Module 3: Protecting Yourself and Your Organization
- Module 3 Introduction
- Legal Issues
- Don'ts to Remember
- Module 3 Quiz
04 Module 4: The Three Steps to Firing
- Module 4 Introduction
- 3 Steps to Firing
- Who Should Do The Firing?
- Module 4 Quiz
05 Module 5: How to Deal with a Variety of Responses
- Module 5 Introduction
- Should You 'Make An Example' of someone?
- Possible Responses
- Module 5 Quiz
06 Module 6: What to do after the Firing?
- Module 6 Introduction
- Your Best People Will Cheer!
- Sample: Information Message
- Minimizing Fear and Gossip
- Once the Firing is Over
- Module 6 Quiz
FINISH Wrap-Up
- Final Test
- Optional Further Reading
- Download: How to Fire Cheat Sheet
Before you begin
Good to know
Who is this course for?
For business owners and people managers responsible for employment decisions and the conversations that follow them.
How long does it take?
Plan for approximately 1 hour. The course is self-paced, so you can work through it around your schedule.
Do I need previous experience?
No. This course provides leadership preparation and should be used alongside the professional legal and HR guidance appropriate to your jurisdiction and situation.
What is included?
The course includes online lessons, quizzes, downloadable resources and a Certificate of Achievement.
Termination of employment
Prepare carefully for the decision, the conversation and what follows.
Approach a difficult leadership responsibility with greater clarity, consistency and respect.
Course price$149.00
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