One of the toughest tasks as a manager is firing a team member, especially when the decision isn’t fully yours. You understand the reasoning but might have made a different choice if it were up to you. In these cases, how do you communicate the decision? Should you say "I have decided," "We have decided," or "My boss has decided"?
Taking Responsibility
A good manager takes responsibility for the team, even when the decision comes from higher up. Saying, "I have decided," shows leadership and accountability, reinforcing your position and maintaining trust with the team. It’s a hard conversation, but one that upholds your integrity.
"We have decided" presents a more collaborative message. It reflects alignment with leadership while making it clear that the decision isn’t personal. This can help soften the blow while being honest about the process.
However, saying "My boss has decided" often feels like avoiding responsibility. It may appear as though you’re deflecting blame, which can undermine your authority. It can also send the wrong message—that while the employee was good enough for you, they weren’t for your boss.
Finding the Balance
The goal is to balance transparency with accountability. By owning the decision, even if it wasn’t fully yours, you show alignment with the organization and demonstrate strong leadership. How you handle these conversations impacts not only the employee but also how your team perceives you moving forward.
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