How to Fire Someone: The "Compassionate" Way
Do it fast. Do it directly. Do it generously (Severance). The way you fire someone tells the remaining team everything about your culture.
What is The "Rip the Band-Aid" Rule?
The "Rip the Band-Aid" Rule is Once you decide to fire someone, do it immediately. Delaying it is torture for you and unfair to them.
The 3 Core Benefits
Team Relief
Your team usually knows before you do. When you finally fire the underperformer, the team will sigh with relief.
Fairness
It is not fair to keep someone in a job where they are failing. Firing them frees them to find a job where they can succeed.
Company Survival
In a startup, one bad hire can sink the ship. You have a duty to the other employees to remove dead weight.
The 10-Minute Meeting
Get straight to the point
Minute 1: "I have some bad news. Today is your last day." Don't chit-chat about the weather first.
The Reason (Brief)
"It isn't working out because of [performance/fit]." Don't debate. The decision is made.
The Package (Generous)
"We are giving you 4 weeks severance and keeping your equity." Be more generous than legally required. It buys goodwill.
Logistics
"We will shut off your email in 1 hour. Please send the laptop back." Keep it professional.
The Aftermath
Inform the team clearly. "X is no longer with us." Don't let rumors spread. Honesty prevents fear.
Bad Firing vs. Good Firing
| Feature | Bad Firing | Good Firing |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Delayed Months | Immediate |
| Style | Passive Aggressive | Direct & Kind |
| Aftermath | Lawsuit/Anger | Respect |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I do a PIP (Performance Plan)?
Rarely. PIPs are usually just "Paper trails for firing." If you know they won't make it, just pay them to leave. It is kinder.
Can they sue me?
Yes, always. That is why you offer Severance in exchange for signing a "Release of Claims." Get a lawyer for this part.
What do I tell the team?
"X is no longer with the company. We wish them the best. We are doing this to keep the bar high." Don't badmouth them.
What makes a launch channel high intent?
High-intent channels have users actively searching for solutions, not just browsing a feed.
How many channels should I launch on?
Start with 3-5 strong channels, measure conversions, then expand to 10-12 over time.
How do I avoid launch fatigue?
Stagger your launches and reuse assets so each channel gets a focused push.
What should I measure after launch?
Track qualified signups, backlinks, and demo requests, not just raw traffic.
How does Mesh of Growth fit with other platforms?
Use Mesh for compounding reviews and backlinks while other platforms provide short-term spikes.
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