I fired someone for the first time today. This person was the first I hired and was with me for 18 months. It was a hard decision and probably months overdue. She didn’t take it well and ended up threatening me. The close friendship we had feels fake. I helped her in her times of need so many times and feel taken advantage of.
I couldn’t sleep last night and feel sick. I’ve done nothing wrong. I understand looking back at former bosses why they kept their distance. It’s just my nature to want to get close to employees because it’s a small business and we are together so many hours a week. Any words of advise from my fellow small business owners?
An old boss who once gave me advice around letting people go that you should be ruthless in decision but compassionate in delivery.
Sounds like you made the right choice and I promise you will feel more relieved and positive about your decision as you see the benefits of them no longer working for you.