Every boss dreads the moment that is destined to happen, no matter your efforts--an employee has failed to perform as expected and you need to terminate them.  But many make the mistake of not preparing for the inevitable and fail to prepare for the termination of an employee.  Here are a few tips to help guide you through the process.

1.    Take the time to create a plan for terminating employees.  This plan should include reasons for termination and any agreements between the recruiter and employee such as a "non-compete" or "non-solicitation" agreement.
2.    Develop a standardized system for tracking employee performance and have in place punishments for breaches of conduct and low performance. And apply those punishments equally to all employees.
3.    Make sure that you thoroughly and accurately document an employee's breach of conduct or performance which warrants termination.
4.    If there are witnesses to the employee's breach of conduct or performance make sure you get written statements from them if possible.

Whatever system you create for terminating employees, make sure that it is reviewed and approved by an attorney specializing in employment law.