Episode 11: The Deadly Sins of a Termination Meeting ☠️
Episode notes
In the 2009 movie "Up In The Air," 🛩️ George Clooney and Anna Kendrick collaborate to terminate the employment of J.K. Simmons. Clooney, a student of the human condition, simultaneously is direct, respectful and empathetic. Kendrick, a student of data and organizational studies, fundamentally misunderstands how crucial being a person is during these conversations.
Bottom line, firing people is on its best day an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience. Unfortunately, too many leaders double down on these inward-focused emotions - they do and say everything they can to make themselves feel better. THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU! This conversation is entirely and exclusively about the person whose life you have just turned upside down.
- Maintain humanity. ❤️
- Be concise and compassionate. ✔️
- Tell the truth. 👩⚖️
I promise you, it absolutely is NOT harder on you than it is on the other person.
Please comment, please share and, as always, please keep the suggestions coming! THANK YOU!
Duane Morris LLP Duane Morris Institute
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Michael S. Cohen is a partner in Duane Morris’ Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law training and counseling. Michael is a nationally-recognized thought leader on workplace culture and human resources issues. He has trained and counseled employers throughout the country and regularly conducts more than 200 trainings each year.
Michael Cohen (215) 979-1882
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelscohen12
https://www.duanemorris.com/attorneys/michaelscohen.html
Pronouns: he/him