How to Fire a Family Member

Fired family member

Working with family members can be warm, cozy and friendly—until you have to fire one of them. It’s never easy to fire a family member, but it could be even more difficult watching profits drop, work remain untouched and the payroll get sucked up by someone who’s a lazy lug. Some simple steps and a little finesse will help you fire a family member.

Instructions

1. Give ample warning. Firing a family member is hard enough. Doing it out of the blue is even more difficult. Give the relative plenty of chances, or at least three, to shape up their act. “Even though you’re my cousin, you’re not pulling you weight around the shop. If it keeps up, I’ll have to let you go.”

2. Be specific on what they need to improve. “Be a better salesman,” may not help your cousin be a better salesman. “Be more courteous with customers, spend extra time humoring them and walk them to their car,” gives him specific tips on how to improve his performance.

3. Offer options. “You’re my cousin and I don’t want to fire you. How about you work as the janitor instead of a salesman so you can still have a job?” The option may not be pretty, but hey, he’s getting something out of the deal.

4. Be gentle. If cousin Jed still won’t step up to the plate, or if he steps up but strikes out each time, break it to him in a humane fashion. “I really hate to do this, but I did let you know it was coming if you didn’t pull your weight. I’ll love you forever, you’re family. But you just can’t work here anymore.”

5. Be firm. Don’t cave in even if Jed starts bawling like he did when you were 6. Yes, you were best friends. Yes, you went to summer camp together. But business is business and he’s losing you money. Make your move and stick with your decision.

Tips & Warnings

• Let other family members know what’s going on so they know you’re side of the story as well as Jed’s.

• If a family feud starts over this, tell them they can hire Jed for a week and see how he works out. Tell them to try him at anything: cleaning the house, raking the yard. Then they can experience first-hand what a lazy lug he is and see your point of view.