The Dignified Exit Script
Prepare to terminate an employee with dignity
I have to let someone go: [ROLE, TENURE, PERFORMANCE CONTEXT, WHETHER THEY SEE IT COMING, WHAT WE CAN OFFER ON SEVERANCE AND REFERENCES]. Prepare me: the opening sentence that is direct in the first ten seconds (no small-talk ambush), the reason stated plainly without a legal-risk pile-up, what I say to each predictable reaction (shock, anger, bargaining, tears), the logistics list (equipment, access, final pay), and what I tell the team afterward - word for word. Flag every point where I should run this past an employment lawyer or HR pro before the meeting, not after.
Inputs needed
- ■Role, tenure, context, severance/reference options
What good output looks like
First ten seconds are scripted and direct; reactions each have a response; logistics checklist complete; team announcement drafted; every counsel checkpoint named
The stream (0)
Reading the room…