Let’s talk about getting fired. So the boss calls you in to her office. Things haven’t been going well lately at the company. Sales are down. So is new hiring. You take a seat and your boss says, “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but we need to let you go.” What do you do? What do you say? What should you not say?
Here’s the first question: Do you want to keep this job? If you do, what’s the best way to try and paint a picture for your boss that portrays your remaining at the company in a positive light, and creates a vision of you as an employee determined to pull your weight, to excel, and be beneficial to the company? In other words, how can you–on the spot–change your boss’s mind and help her see that doing so will be to her advantage?
1. Open with a positive. Make a positive opening statement, such as, “I want to thank you for all of the opportunities you’ve given me.” Don’t wing it; write your opening statement down and commit it to memory if you have any inkling that a layoff is imminent.
2. Get your boss talking. Ask a great question, such as, “If there were one area I could improve upon that would enable me to stay, what would it be?” Again, don’t wing it; write it down if you suspect this is going to happen.
3. Control your presentation. Keep a low voice, a slow voice. Don’t allow yourself to become emotional no matter what the answer. Don’t allow your voice to go up, or your speech to speed up. Don’t lean aggressively forward suddenly. Ahead of time, practice talking in the mirror with a calm, composed manner so you’ll know what it feels like.
4. Grab your opportunity. If there is a discussion or she gives you an answer that gives you hope, be ready with another question, such as, “What can I say that will assure you of my efforts and ability to take your direction?” Don’t wing this, write it down and commit it to memory.
5. Repeat it three times. If the discussion is going well, repeat the above question. Don’t start winging it. Ask the above question at least three times. This is a tried-and-true strategy used by pro negotiators. By getting the other party to confirm her cooperation three times, you help to seal the deal. You can vary the question a bit: e.g. “What can I do to make you feel confident that I’m working hard to fulfill your expectations of the job?”
6. Set an agenda for the future. Ask these questions: “How can we be sure I’m on track?” “What kind of review schedule could we put in place to assure success?” Don’t just assume everything will be fine. Do negotiate the agenda to give you the best chance for success, and to get your boss thinking about and talking about your success.
7. Stay cool and calm. No matter the outcome, don’t raise your voice, don’t point blame, don’t fail to follow the above steps–all of them. No matter how things turn out, thank your boss and, if appropriate, wish her the very best. It will pay you in the long run.
Next time around let’s talk about what to do if you don’t want to keep the job.
Jim Camp is an internationally sought negotiation coach and trainer, and author of NO: The Only Negotiating System You Need for Work and Home (Crown), the revised and updated version of his critically acclaimed business book, Start with No. As president and founder of The Camp Group, he has coached individuals, companies, and governments worldwide through hundreds of negotiations worth billions.
