3. Our ingrown culture is our top priority.
Our culture is defined by cronyism, inside jokes and unwritten rules, and we like it that way. It is difficult to understand how things really work around here and even harder for an outsider to break in. We thought you might be “one of us,” but you’re not.
4. We can’t afford to pay you anymore.
We thought we had room in the budget for you, but it didn’t work out that way. Income hasn’t increased they way we thought it would, and we’re unwilling to cut anywhere else. We could try to be more fiscally responsible, but the easiest way to balance the books is to fire you.
5. You’re a goober.
We thought you were sharp when we hired you, but it turns out you’re a goober. You’re opinionated, lazy and infuriating. No one wants you on their team because you constantly make excuses and irritate everyone around you. You may be a fit somewhere, but we’re just tired of you.
The challenge, whether you are firing someone or being fired, is to be honest. Don’t hide behind phrases like “team fit” and “cultural differences,” get to the root of why you are parting ways. It’s the only way organizations and leaders can grow.
