The Manager’s Compass
Welcome to the practice of Leadership Cartography™. Each post maps the terrain of modern leadership—helping you navigate challenges, build confidence, and lead with steadiness.
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How to Fire Someone: The Step-by-Step Guide for Managers
Termination conversations are one of the hardest responsibilities of management. Most managers delay, over-explain, or let guilt turn a necessary conversation into something cruel. The problem isn't that you care—it's that no one taught you how to do this with clarity. Here's your step-by-step guide to conducting termination conversations that preserve dignity for everyone involved.
The Conversation I Practiced in My Kitchen
I was standing in my kitchen at 6 AM, practicing words I didn’t want to say. “We need to discuss your employment status.” Too formal. “I have some difficult news.” Too vague. “I know I told you your job was safe, but…” That one made my stomach turn. I’d been rehearsing this conversation for three days, trying to find a way to deliver news that would shatter someone’s trust in me. Someone who had asked me directly, multiple times, if they were going to be fired. Someone I’d looked in the eye and said no to, because I meant it. But everything had changed, and I was the one who had to deliver the blow
How to Have Difficult Conversations with Employees: A 6-Step Framework for New Managers
Most managers avoid difficult conversations until they become impossible to ignore. Whether it’s addressing missed deadlines, performance issues, or team conflicts, these conversations feel heavy and unpredictable. But here’s what most leadership training gets wrong: difficult conversations aren’t about being tough—they’re about having a clear framework when the territory gets messy. Learn the 6-step method that transforms confrontations into productive dialogues.
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