 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Letting Go & Firing Employees Navigating the complexities of employee termination can be a sensitive task, so Style My Soul gathered insights from seven experts, including a Chief Human Resource Officer and a managing attorney. They discuss legitimate reasons to let go of an employee, from choosing respectful termination terms to handling a breach of confidentiality. Here’s a comprehensive look at the wisdom these professionals offer for such difficult situations.
Terminate for Major Policy Violations If they’ve committed a major violation of company policies, you have to let them go. Especially if they’ve harmed another employee or knowingly broken safety regulations. It’s a serious issue that can put everyone at risk. It becomes even worse if they have a history of such warnings that have been issued to them, and you may even have to get the authorities involved depending on the severity. You need thorough documentation, so I’d gather witness statements, incident reports, and video footage — the last one being a very solid piece of evidence that’s hard to refute. From there, I’d schedule a private meeting with the employee, present the evidence, and clearly state their violation. Don’t beat around the bush; just be straightforward. Let them know what they’ve done goes against your safety policies and cannot be overlooked. If it’s too serious and you need to get the authorities involved, let them know about that too. - Riley Beam, Managing Attorney, Douglas R. Beam, P.A. Document and Support Underperformance Firing Letting go of an employee is always tough, but it’s sometimes necessary when someone consistently underperforms, even after multiple attempts to help them improve. For example, if an employee is consistently missing deadlines, producing subpar work, and their performance doesn’t improve after clear feedback, training, and support, it’s a sign that the role might not be the right fit. How I would handle the firing:
Address Toxic Behavior Impacting Team One of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make was firing an employee who was excellent at their job but had a toxic attitude that disrupted the team. We prioritize a positive work environment, and I noticed this individual’s behavior was causing stress among their colleagues, leading to decreased productivity and morale. When I confronted the situation, it was clear that despite their technical skills, they were unwilling to adjust their attitude. I handled the firing by having a frank conversation about the impact of their behavior on the team and offered support in finding a more suitable role elsewhere. This approach was not only necessary for the health of the company but also gave the employee a chance to succeed in a different environment where they could be a better fit. - Dinesh Agarwal, Founder, CEO, RecurPost Act on Dishonesty With Transparency As an insurance agency owner, I’ve unfortunately had to terminate employees who repeatedly failed to meet performance standards. For example, I once hired an agent who struggled to meet sales targets despite extensive coaching and mentoring. After six months of little progress, it became clear he lacked the skills for the role. I had no choice but to let him go, though it was difficult. Dishonesty is another valid reason for termination. I found an employee had lied about his credentials and experience during the hiring process. Once exposed, he could no longer be trusted and had to be dismissed immediately. When terminating an employee, transparency and fairness are key. I conduct an exit interview to understand the underlying issues, then pay out all owed compensation. Though never easy, removing poor performers or untrustworthy staff is necessary to protect my business’s productivity, reputation, and bottom line. The decision is not taken lightly but must be made when other options have been exhausted. - Christian Strange, President, Strange Insurance Agency, Inc Terminate for Breach of Confidentiality A valid reason for terminating an employee could be a breach of trust that undermines team integrity, such as a serious violation of confidentiality. Imagine an employee who discloses sensitive company information to unauthorized parties. Trust is the foundation of any team, and when it’s compromised, it can have far-reaching consequences. To handle this delicately, ensure you have concrete evidence of the breach and follow the company’s disciplinary procedures. During the termination meeting, focus on the breach of trust and its impact on the company’s operations and reputation. Approach the conversation with clarity and professionalism, and explain the decision as a necessary step to protect the company’s interests and maintain a secure work environment. Providing a reference or support for their job search, where appropriate, helps to mitigate the negative impact and shows that the decision was made with careful consideration. - C.L. Mike Schmidt, Personal Injury Lawyer, Schmidt & Clark Choose Respectful Termination Terms Context is crucial when making employment decisions. Words carry significant weight, and the way we use them distinguishes leaders from managers. The term “fire” evokes strong emotions, often reflecting how an employee feels about losing their livelihood. Leaders should opt for terms like “termination” or “separation” when communicating the decision to part ways, even in cases of severe misconduct such as fighting, theft, or fraud. These decisions should be made promptly, based on solid evidence. When communicating with the affected employee, it is essential to be swift, concise, respectful, and to thoughtfully plan the discussion. - Vanessa Parker-Lewis, Chief Human Resource Officer Handle Poor Performance With Structured Approach That would be consistent with poor performance despite repeated feedback and opportunities for improvement. When an employee’s performance doesn’t meet the required standards, and they’ve been given ample chances to improve, it might be necessary to terminate their employment to maintain overall team effectiveness and productivity. Handling the firing in this situation requires a respectful and structured approach. First, document everything. Have detailed records of performance issues, feedback provided, and any improvement plans or coaching efforts. This documentation is crucial for legal protection and clarity. Schedule a private meeting with the employee. Approach the conversation with empathy and professionalism. Start by acknowledging any positive contributions they’ve made, then clearly explain the performance issues and the decision to terminate their employment. Be straightforward but compassionate, and provide specific examples to illustrate your points. Offer support during the transition. Discuss the next steps, such as final pay, benefits, and any assistance with job placement if possible. Handling the situation with respect and dignity helps the employee transition more smoothly and maintains morale within the team. - Ken LaMance, Attorney & General Counsel, LegalMatch
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 Credit: Bryan Dickens, CCO of Gameplan The world of education has undergone many changes over the last few years. Remote learning practices became critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the introduction of many educational technologies and strategies to develop. It became increasingly more work to retain student attention, attendance, and engagement. This created a need for newer strategies and methods of instruction to increase learning and keep up with the rapidly changing world of education. One such strategy is esports. Yes! You read that right!
Utilizing Student Passions You might be thinking “Why esports and not gaming?” Well, while the two terms are interchangeably used, there is a difference. Gaming refers to the leisure activity of playing a game. Esports, on the other hand, is an organized, structured, and competitive form of play. That’s why we call it esports education or scholastic esports, because of the way it is utilized, which is through close monitoring and guidance from educators. A quick look at the statistics will show you that 97% of teenagers play video games, and half of them play every day. So why not utilize the passion of these kids and combine it with education? This is why esports is emerging as a new method of instruction and is being adopted by more and more schools in the United States and all over the globe. It can be formatted both as an extracurricular or curricular activity. One great example of this and one of the most popular video games that are used in this manner is Minecraft’s Educators Edition, in which students can learn subjects like chemistry, coding, and math. Other games that are not primarily developed for educational purposes can be leveraged in the same manner or used in the context of an extracurricular activity or as a student club. Benefits of Using Esports in Schools One of the reasons esports in the classroom works is that it creates a connected learning environment. Connected learning integrates interest-driven learning, supportive social relationships, and educational opportunities. Esports harnesses student interest and engages students with cooperative activity and social-emotional learning, resulting in authentic connections and career opportunities through STEM and CTE. Research also shows that scholastic esports fosters a sense of belonging and community, resulting in students attending classes regularly. It is a particularly good alternative for those students who are not interested in traditional sports as well. Esports is an incredible tool for students with disabilities. It has been shown that technology helps special education students interact better and have the same chances to join in activities as their peers as well as practice everyday skills and prepare them for seamless social integrations. Creating New Career Paths You might have come across the big and glamorous events where two teams are competing against each other and there is a big prize at the end. Those professional athletes that you see playing those games and competing are just a small glimpse of the entire esports industry. The esports industry surpasses 1 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, expanding beyond professional players. From game designers and developers to lawyers, nutritionists, physical therapists, audio engineers and community managers, there are many paths to explore. How to Afford It? First, start small and use what you have. You don’t need an entire classroom of high-end computers to begin. One console, one computer, and a dedicated space might be all you may need. Your best advisors and helpers will be your students, don’t hesitate to ask them for help. Depending on the resources you have, you can always expand. But luckily, there are several state funds and private grants available for you to use just for this purpose. Esports programs are eligible for state funds because they align with key educational goals of the current fiscal year, such as reducing absenteeism and increasing student engagement. Title I, II, III IV, IDEA, and ESSER funds can be utilized in this effort. There are also many private grants to choose from. In conclusion, the new trend in education is esports, a powerful new method of instruction. If implementing esports into your curriculum appears to be challenging, consider starting an esports club and get help from your students. Embrace the challenges, learn from the experiences of others, and forge your own path. Meet Our Contributor — Bryan Dickens Bryan Dickens , CCO of Gameplan, has over 20 years of experience in education, psychology, and technology. Prior to joining Gameplan, he was part of growing EdTech, HRTech, and Cybersecurity startups to market values of over $1 billion. Bryan currently sits on multiple higher education and K-12 advisory boards consulting on advanced STEM education and advises Fortune 500 corporations on global learning and workforce preparedness. His role at Gameplan is entrenched in expanding and quickly adapting to education needs by utilizing technology to help learners of all ages reach their potential. Learn more about Bryan’s work here.  Credit: Kimberley George | Coote Experts, https://cooteexperts.com In today’s fast-paced business environment, professionals constantly juggle multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations. The pressure to perform can often lead to stress, burnout, and a feeling of overwhelm. However, with the right strategies, you can regain control, enhance productivity, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Here are five indispensable life hacks for professionals looking to elevate their productivity. These recommendations offer more than the usual advice, providing thoughtful, actionable steps that can significantly impact your daily routine.
1. Prioritize with Purpose: The Art of Intentional Scheduling One of the biggest challenges busy professionals face is the sheer volume of tasks that demand their attention. The key to managing this effectively lies in purposeful prioritization. Rather than simply reacting to what seems urgent, take a step back and assess which tasks align most closely with your long-term goals. Every task you take on should clearly connect to your overarching objectives. Intentional scheduling isn’t just about managing time; it’s about aligning your daily actions with your broader purpose. Start by identifying the three most important tasks for each day, those that will move the needle the most, and focus on completing them first. This approach ensures that you’re not just busy but genuinely productive. 2. Leverage the Power of Micro-Routines While morning routines get all the attention, micro-routines, small, repeated actions throughout your day, can be just as powerful. These routines help you maintain focus, reduce decision fatigue, and create a rhythm that keeps you on track. For example, consider implementing a short mid-morning review where you assess your progress on key tasks or a quick pre-lunch planning session to set up your afternoon for success. These micro-routines act as anchors throughout your day, helping you stay aligned with your goals and avoid the common pitfalls of distraction and procrastination. 3. Mindfully Harness Technology Technology can be both a blessing and a curse for busy professionals. While it offers countless tools to enhance productivity, it can also lead to constant distractions and information overload. The key is to harness technology, mindfully using it to support your goals without letting it control your day. Use tools and apps that genuinely add value to your workflow but set boundaries to prevent them from taking over your focus. For example, schedule specific times to check email or engage with social media rather than letting notifications dictate your day. By being selective about the technology you use and setting clear boundaries, you can maintain your focus and prevent digital distractions from derailing your productivity. Clearing out small tasks quickly prevents them from piling up and becoming overwhelming. It’s a way to maintain a sense of accomplishment throughout the day, boosting your motivation to tackle more complex challenges. 4. Practice Strategic Delegation As a busy professional, it’s tempting to try to do everything yourself, however mastering the art of delegation is crucial for long-term success. Delegating tasks not only frees up your time but also empowers your team, allowing you to focus on high-level strategic activities that require your expertise. Delegation isn’t just about offloading tasks, it’s about building a stronger, more capable team. When done strategically, delegation allows you to focus on what you do best while fostering growth and development within your team. Start by identifying tasks that don’t require your unique skills or knowledge and assign them to capable team members. This helps you manage your workload and strengthens your team’s capabilities. Balancing the demands of a busy professional life requires more than just good intentions; it requires smart strategies and intentional actions. Efficiency is the art of aligning your daily efforts with your broader vision. By integrating these strategies, you ensure that every action propels you closer to your professional and personal aspirations. Meet Our Contributor — Kimberley George Kimberley George (MBA)(BHS) is a firmly established Strategic Business Advisor and Entrepreneur in the Australian market, with over 15 years consulting experience serving as a private advisor for all tiers of business; from nimble startups to SMEs, private companies and government organizations. With work spanning various industry and business sectors such as consumer goods, technology, healthcare, public services, manufacturing, e-commerce and education, Kimberley’s vast experience has given her hands-on expertise to understand companies’ distinct challenges, dynamics, and avenues for growth. Learn more about Kimberley here. |