I’ll never forget the first time I had to fire someone.

She was a genuinely kind person, hired by my predecessor. I wanted to help her grow, but my boss told me it was time to let her go. Then—he called in sick on the day I was supposed to have the conversation. So, I did it alone.

Awkward. Painful. But necessary.

After the conversation, I met with her direct reports to inform them of the change. They didn’t push back. In fact, they thanked me. It turns out she was a poor leader, and they had been waiting for someone to notice.

That day taught me two things:

1. Letting someone go is hard—but dragging it out is worse.

2. Your team is watching how you handle it—and they remember.

In Feed Your Team (due out this fall!) Chapter 6: How to Let Them Go, I explore the full picture of compassionate offboarding:

• How to recognize when it’s time

• How to handle terminations with dignity

• How to support your remaining team

• And how to avoid legal and ethical landmines along the way

The truth? Even the highest performer, if they’re the wrong cultural fit, can do more harm than good. And if you’re hesitating, ask yourself:

Would I rehire this person today, knowing what I know now?

If the answer is no, you already have your answer.

Letting someone go might feel like a failure. But when done well, it’s an act of care—for your team, your culture, and even the person leaving.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Firing someone is the hardest part of leadership—not because it’s cruel, but because if you do it right, it’s an act of care for everyone involved.”
— Kim Scott

ASK YOURSELF:
Is there someone on your team you’ve already made a decision about—but haven’t acted on?

The Speakers Collaborative Launches Raleigh Cohort

The Speakers Collaborative will launch our Raleigh cohort this fall. We have room for 5 more speakers to join our group. If you have been dreaming about getting on stage, delivering the keynote of your life, telling your story, or selling your book, we are the program for you. If you are interested in joining our cohort, reply now.

For more information, please visit the website.

Cody Hand, the Coach

I have been coaching for some time now, typically through word of mouth or to my existing fractional General Counsel clients, but I am now officially launching it as a stand alone offering.

If you are new to leadership, have taken over an existing team, or are looking to refine and reshape your style, I offer a 12 week one-on-one program designed to use your existing skills to make you a radical leader.

Learn more here.