This scorching (but oh so appropriate) post from conductor Bill Eddins is required reading for every arts administrator out there in these times of “right-sizing” (or bottom-line-sizing, more accurately put):
I know that you’re supposed to be wedded to the bottom line but do keep in mind that the people who you are about to let go have, in many cases, dedicated their lives to your organization, and if your organization has been successful it’s most likely because of them, not because of you. They are human beings, and you are about to have a profoundly negative impact on their life. Have a little compassion.
If you are running a major arts organization do not refer to it as “The Company.” It is not the CIA. It is an arts organization, full of bright and creative people on every level. Do not demean their love of whatever art form it is by trying to sound highfallutin’ and corporate. It just ends up being so much bullshit, and there is already quite enough of that in the arts world.
Do not use the current economic crisis as an excuse to get rid of people who actually force you to do your job for this will come around to bite you in the tuchus.
If you do end up firing somebody please say something more than “we are restructuring and your position is being eliminated.” Try words like “I’m sorry” or “I wish this didn’t have to happen” or “It’s a damn shame because you have been a valued member of our arts organization for a gazillion years.” It may not mean much to you…… hell, it probably won’t mean much to the person you just fired…… but it’s at least polite. Sticking to your prepared script just proves what a complete asshole you are.
Please do not treat the fired person like so much garbage that you are eager to get rid of. Do not have the person frog-marched to their cubicle/office by the HR lackey, where they have only enough time to grab their purse/murse and jacket before they are kicked out of the offices. Please do not have the bad taste to have their phone disconnected and their computer turned off while they are stuck in your office being fired. Once again, this is not the CIA, and a little respect for your staff is warranted.
And here is the prequel post.