How to Fire Someone
Jan 25, 2025
Author: Claire Harrison
t’s the worst job a boss has to do, but if you can’t do it, you probably shouldn’t be running the show.
NEVER FIRE ON THE SPOT
Many owners of small businesses get themselves in a legal pickle by reacting “in the moment” to something a worker does or says.
This is the worst thing to do, cautions Harrison Human Resources founder and director Claire Harrison, who has witnessed more than 1000 terminations because of redundancy, misconduct or poor performance.
To fire someone in a fit of rage leaves you exposed to unfair, unjust, or unreasonable dismissal claims. It is unsettling for other workers.
“Other employees will watch how you handle the situation making it very important to model respectful, calm and measured behaviour,” Harrison says.
Claire Harrison is the Founder and Managing Director of Harrisons, a flourishing HR consulting business that sprouted in 2009 from Claire’s passionate belief that inspiring leaders and superstar employees are the key success factor to any business. With over 20 years’ experience, Claire has worked as a HR Director of multi-national organisations, as a Non-Executive Board Director, and a small business owner. Claire’s corporate career includes working with companies such as BHP, Westpac, Fonterra and Mayne Nickless.