Oracle Database Tips by Donald Burleson

Do Not Get Drawn Into a Confrontation

There are IT professionals who go beyond manipulating the work environment and will attempt draw the manager into a confrontation when being disciplined or fired. These employees may offer counterarguments, provide excuses for their behavior, blame other IT workers, profess the poor me to shift the blame to the manager, or to attack the credibility of the manager or process.

The purpose of the termination meeting  is not to debate whether the employee should or should not be discharged, or the validity of the action. Once the process has progressed to the termination event, then the situation is well beyond having to deal with such questions. The termination of the individual should stay strictly on script with the objective remaining; the release of the employee.

Stay Calm and Clear-Headed

Obviously, there will be high tension during the discharge process on both the administering and receiving sides, regardless of the apparent outward signs. The manager must keep his or her emotions restrained. Whether or not the IT professional to be terminated has been liked by the manager in the past; showing a bias in either direction will generate emotions that detract from the manager's effectiveness. Planning for the termination upfront with a direct, precise, and succinct process in mind will keep emotions from escalating into physical or emotional altercation.
 

The above book excerpt is from:

You're Fired! Firing Computer Professionals

The IT manager Guide for Terminating "With Cause"

ISBN 0-9744486-4-8

Robert Papaj 

http://www.rampant-books.com/book_2005_1_firing.htm