How to Hire, Review & (Hopefully Not) Fire an Employee

Hiring, reviewing and firing. Three of the most important and difficult responsibilities of anyone labeled manager in an organization. So, we sat down with Troy Simpson, the vice president of member services for 2016 Large Business of the Year Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative, to hear his best practices, tips and words of encouragement for managers.

In an interview, Simpson’s favorite question is simple: Why do you want this job? “They may be qualified from an experience standpoint, but what’s going on inside,” Simpson explained. “Why do they want to work for Mid-Carolina Electric?” As a job candidate, Simpson said that every interviewee should respond with honest answers that display growth especially for questions that may highlight your weaknesses.

Before any employee review, make sure that you as a manager are prepared and don’t let these reviews sneak up on your calendar. “You are speaking into someone’s life, someone’s livelihood and their future.” Simpson said. “People know if you understand their job and lengths they go to to get the job done. You owe it to them, to your organization and yourself to be prepared.” The harder parts of the evaluation will be easier if you display understanding to and encourage your employee. The goal at the end of each evaluation is to build trust and establish a better relationship.

If an employee’s performance does not improve after your evaluation and termination is the next step, Simpson said that there should be no surprise especially if the relationship between the manager and the employee has been built. To avoid a bad termination experience, get your thoughts on paper. “If you are going in unprepared or you’re going to wing it, something’s going to blow up,” Simpson said. From the time of day to the actual date of the interaction where the termination will be delivered, Simpson stressed that managers should think through every step that you will be taking. Don’t be afraid to run your termination process by a human resource professional, too.

To hear about the best practices that matter most to you, check the times below and skip to that portion of the interview.

Do you have suggestions on what our next video series should be? Contact Connor Watkins at [email protected] or (803) 359-6113 ext. 101 and let us know your ideas.

• 1:18 – Get to know the culture of Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative
• 1:57 – Hiring: What do you look for in an employee, interview tips, sample questions, and answers to listen for.
• 6:04 – Reviews: How often should you evaluate an employee, review preparation, strategies, and employee appreciation.
• 14:36 – Firing: Process, things to consider, cause for termination, and what to focus on.