3 questions you should ask yourself before dismissing an employee

Firing a team member is a complex decision. Ask yourself these 3 questions to find out if it's time to dismissing a worker.

Sometimes doubts remain as to whether dismissal is the right decision or whether there are other alternatives for an employee who is not performing as expected. Doubt is normal in these situations.

What should you consider before dismissing a worker?

So, before making a hasty decision, ask yourself these 3 fundamental questions before dismissing an employee:

1. Have I given you the opportunity to improve?

Weekly or monthly feedback where any areas for improvement can be refined is a great help, not only for the employee, but for the whole team.

Has the employee had all the tools necessary to achieve the objectives set? If not, it is only fair to give them the tools before making a final decision.

If the employee has had the relevant evaluations and has had all the necessary tools to do his or her job, and still performs below expectations, it is time to move on to the second question.

2. Can you do better in another position?

Sometimes an employee simply doesn't work because he is not in the most suitable position for him. This happens in every team (would Messi be as good if he played as a defender?).

It is important to assess whether the worker would be more valuable in another position: this can be a good solution to avoid laying off a worker unnecessarily. It is also important to avoid employees leave the company. 

If their performance continues to fail once you have given them the opportunity to adapt to a new position, it is time to move on to the third question.

3. Have I given it enough time to improve?

It is important to know how to manage employees, and that they have the opportunity and the tools they need to develop within the company. However, neither time nor opportunities are infinite, so we must set limits.

• If the answer is no, then there is still a chance for the worker to work, to improve and to achieve the goals set. Investing time in him or her can be a great idea.
• If the answer is yes, then it may be time to fire him or her (but with a good strategy in mind). offboarding). You'd better invest your time in getting a candidate who doesn't take so much time to convince you.

By asking these questions before dismissing an employee, it will be easier to make the right decision.