Anyone with an ounce of compassion, will find firing someone a difficult task, probably the hardest thing you will ever have to do as a manager. It's so hated that most employers are tempted to rush through it, just to get it over with. DON'T!

A good idea is to prepare a script either in your head or written down including the points you want to cover during the meeting. This will help you conduct a better meeting. A good thing to remember is that being kind and honest is essential.

Often the employee will have to work a period of notice, which can be anything up to a month, this is usually stated in the contract. If this is the case, ensure that the employee understands this.

When you have ended the meeting, don't rush the employee out the door. A good idea is to offer the employee the chance to finish tasks, complete projects, and make arrangements for keeping in touch with co-workers, if they so wish.

It is interesting to know that most legal actions have arisen from the employee's resentment of how he or she was treated during the termination meeting. Think of the person's feelings and try to end the meeting on a positive note.

Good Luck!