360 | How to Fire People Compassionately & Ethically with Paul Zelizer

Paul Zelizer is the host of the Awarepreneurs Podcast, the world’s longest running social entrepreneur podcast, and has been a Business Coach who specializes in working with social entrepreneurs and climate tech founders for the past 18 years.

This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:


Awarepreneurs Transcript with Paul Zelizer on How to Fire Ethically

NOTE: While it’s not perfect, we offer this transcript and the below summaries by Castmagic for those who are hearing impaired or who don’t find listening to a podcast enjoyable or possible.

You can read the full transcript of this episode here

Key Topics: How to Fire People Compassionately & Ethically with Paul Zelizer

  1. Introduction

    • Introduction of the Awarepreneurs podcast and host Paul Zelizer.

    • Goals of the podcast: positive impact, profitability, and quality of life.

    • Request for subscribers and reviews.

  2. Context for Discussion on Firing Employees

    • Mass firings in the US government and the impact of the Trump administration.

    • Story about clients experiencing the need to fire employees after 12 years.

    • The absence of social entrepreneur discussions on ethical and compassionate firing.

  3. Emotional and Ethical Challenges of Firing

    • Addressing the emotional difficulty and moral dilemmas leaders face.

    • Specific challenges for impact-driven leaders.

    • Patterns among leaders: over-investing in struggling employees, avoiding performance conversations, and emotional decision-making.

  4. Differentiating Firing Scenarios

    • Performance-based firing vs. structural layoffs.

    • Definitions and protocol for performance-based firing.

    • Structural layoffs related to economic factors.

  5. Ethical and DEI Considerations

    • Importance of avoiding implicit bias.

    • Ensuring fairness in who gets extra chances.

    • Providing transition support and fair severance packages.

  6. How to Fire Compassionately

    • Preparatory steps: consultation, documentation, being clear and respectful.

    • Conduct during the conversation: directness, acknowledgment of contributions, offering assistance.

    • Post-conversation management: maintaining visibility and support.

  7. Maintaining Team Morale After Firing

    • Importance of transparent communication with remaining team members.

    • Reaffirmation of company mission and goals.

    • Adjusting workloads and next steps for team solidarity.

  8. Legal and HR Considerations

    • The significance of HR consultants or employment law attorneys.

    • Avoiding legal risks and ensuring compliance with employment laws.

  9. Conclusion

    • Difficult nature of firing but necessity for leadership.

    • Key takeaways: avoiding surprises, direct communication, protecting values.

    • Invitation for listener feedback and suggestions for podcast topics.

Paul Zelizer