Question

As Department Manager for the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department in your local acute care hospital you plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pre-Admission Testing unit. After sitting in on a committee meeting and polling all members of the committee you discover the need to replace the chairman of the committee. Discuss how you would inform the current chairman. In addition, discuss the topics you would review with the incoming chairman and the support you could offer in support of the transition.

Answer 1

The script for letting an employee go is relatively straightforward. Get to the point quickly: Be direct, be honest, and no small talk. Beginning the conversation should start by saying: “‘I have some bad news to deliver today’ because it emotionally prepares the individual. It’s equivalent to saying: ‘I’m about to punch you in the stomach’ versus just punching you in the stomach”. Then say something like: “The purpose of this meeting is to tell you that your career with this company has come to an end.” Next, give the person a folder containing the severance or exit arrangements. If your company is providing outplacement services, then say: “As part of the respect we have for you, we have hired a firm to help you successfully land on your feet.” Then hand over the meeting to the consultant or HR rep who will explain next steps. “It doesn’t need to be long and drawn out”. “Say what you need to say, then leave the room. The outplacement firm or HR should take over.”

In my view I would discuss the following topic with the incoming chairman:

• the effectiveness of the Pre-Admission Testing unit
• Reason why previous chairman was replaced
• How his transition will take place
• Expectations of the committee from you

I will ensure that the new chairman get following support when he join the hospital:

• Proper transition from previous Chairman
• Training on various policies of hospital
• Arrange a secretary for him to arrange his logistics