Two of the most important events in person’s professional life may be when they get their first job, and when they get fired.

You can read tons of books about how to hire people. Not a lot of books on how to fire.

Being great at letting people go is a skill. I’m not the best at it, but I like to think I’m okay. The most important part, for me, is to acknowledge the truth of the matter.

1. This conversation is stressful and painful; no words will make it better.

2. You are a person, and I care about you as a person, that’s why I’m speaking the truth to you.

3. We need different work than the work you do. What you do matters, and you need to go find the people who need your work. We’re not them.

4. You’re not alone. We are with you as you transition. Here’s where you go next.

If ever you need to say goodbye to people who work for you or that you work with, do it with love.