It’s something that many small businesses have been faced with.  You have an employee who just isn’t living up to expectations, you can’t afford to keep, or you just don’t think is a good cultural fit for your company.  You’ve decided that you have to fire them and move on.

Now what?

Firing someone is never an easy thing to do.  There are many things to consider, including their feelings and best interests, but also the best interests of your own company long term.  In a recent piece in the Wall Street Journal, reporter Colleen DeBaise takes a look at what steps you can take when an employee isn’t “up to snuff.”

For example, she suggests you first talk privately with the employee to discuss your concerns and give them a chance to improve.  Typically, documenting the behavior that is causing problems with the employee is also a good idea, so that you can point to it at a later date if necessary.

From there if the firing is necessary, choose a private, quiet setting and make the decision clear and final.

Have you had to fire an employee recently? How did you approach it, and was there anything you would done differently?