1. Harvard ManageMentor®
When to Dismiss an Employee

2. Discussion Topics When can you dismiss immediately?
Should you try to correct the problem — then dismiss if it persists?
When can’t you legally dismiss and employee?
Where could you get more information?
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3. When Can You Dismiss an Employee Immediately?
What behaviors warrant immediate dismissal of an employee?
Do you have examples from your own observations?
Explain why you view the behavior as grounds for dismissal.
Are there behaviors that you are unsure about?
© Copyright 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.

4. When Should You Try to Fix the Problem First?
What are behaviors that don’t seem to be cause for immediate dismissal, but are serious enough that you should document them and address them with the employee?
What should you document?
Why can documentation be valuable later?
© Copyright 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.

5. When Can’t You Legally Dismiss an Employee?
What are examples of behaviors for which you can’t legally dismiss an employee?
Do you have examples from your own observations?
© Copyright 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.

6. Where Could You Learn More?
Who in our organization can help us with dismissal decisions?
What other resources are available to help?
© Copyright 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.

7. Next Steps
Meet with me if you see questionable behavior by an employee.
Use the List of Dos and Don’ts for Dismissing an Employee as a quick reminder of how to approach the process of dismissing an employee.
© Copyright 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.