72 hours of pain. I’ve gone through pain, but 72 hours sounds like a lot, right? When you stub your toe, it’s 5 minutes of pain. When you get a cut on your finger, it might hurt for a couple of hours. But, 72 hours?
In reality, 72 hours is the amount of pain and anguish you experience when you, unfortunately, have to let an employee go. Sometimes it’s shorter—don’t get me wrong. Sometimes an employee has done something so egregious that you have to get rid of them quickly, and it can feel like relief. However, most of the time, you’ve had a couple of talks with them already. Most of the time, you’ve already given them the ultimatum. Most of the time, they know it’s coming just as much as you do.
Does this make it easier? Nope. It’s 72 hours of pain.
It’s 72 hours of you knowing it is coming. It’s the planning, making sure your paperwork is right. It’s also preparing for possibly having to change the clinical schedule if you lose an employee. Then it’s also planning the rehiring process. Maybe even some soul-searching, looking where you could have helped correct the behavior or habit before it got to this point.
When it happens, it’s heart-pounding. Not in a good way. It sucks, and it’s usually sad.
But afterward, you usually feel much better. In cases where there isn’t a culture match, there can be a huge sense of relief. Maybe the negativity is gone. Maybe the toxicity evaporates. Maybe the weight on your shoulders is significantly decreased. In any sense, it had to happen.
So when we get tactical about this process, let me offer you some advice:
– Keep it short and simple.
– Explain that today is their last day.
– Don’t get into the weeds—just say, “Things aren’t working out like I’d hoped.”
– Give them any termination paperwork (Health Insurance COBRA, 401(k), etc.).
– Walk them to their locker to gather their belongings, get their key if they have one.
– Escort them to the door and wish them the best of luck.
– Inform the team of the change using no disparaging remarks.
In each of these steps, there might be a checklist of things you need. If you need systems for termination like this, check out Dental Success Network for some ideas on making sure all your T’s crossed and I’s dotted.
No matter whether you have systems for this or not, be prepared for this 72 hours of pain. It won’t make it any shorter, but it will make it less painful for all involved.
Be well and do well,
Dr. Addison Killeen
