April 8, 2008Poison Phrase ~ Termination
Last week’s success story was about a termination that went well. One commenter took issue with the word
-Termination
Interestingly, I have made this point in the past, but didn’t think about it when posting the story. The word termination sounds militant and hostile.
The poster asked what a better word would be, and I didn’t have a good answer. I jokingly refer to it as freeing up someone’s future, but that sounds flippant. What alternative words do you have?
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It is time to part ways
Comment by Lori — April 10, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
I agree that “termination” sounds hostile. We’re used to hearing it in movies and on TV in connection to a more permanent end, someone’s death!
I can’t think of a better single word to use, but we’ve used this phrase before at work: I’ll accept your involuntary resignation.
Or another: I believe it’s no longer to your benefit to work here.
Or even: You’re released to seek another, more perfect work environment.
Words, lotsa words. It all boils down to inflicting a big ow-ie on somebody!
Comment by Judy Andrew — April 10, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
I think termination is the best word otherwise you’ll have to use phrases like “at the conclusion of their employement” or “discontinuation of employment.”
Comment by Meilee — April 10, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
I was ‘terminated’ from a job I had last year and choose to use the expression ’separated from’ the job/position instead of being terminated or fired or laid off.
Comment by Terrell Wexler — April 11, 2008 @ 1:37 am
Poison Phrase Termination - When employees part leave our company for we refer to their departure in a positive way. We tell others they are pursuing other career opportunities.
Comment by Cynthia — April 11, 2008 @ 8:17 am
I like separated or let go vs terminated.
Comment by Vicky Baugh — April 12, 2008 @ 11:07 am
I like “separated from” instead of termination. It sounds more like a divorce, which it kind of is if you think about. :+)
“Pursuing other career/business opportunities” is a dead giveaway. Everyone on the front line knows it means the person was either fired or (more likely) resigned to keep from being fired. The same is true for “wanting to spend more time with my family.”
One way of saying it that I’m not fond of is “So-and-So is no longer with us.” It makes it sound like the person died.
How about: “I believe your talents could be better utilized in another career.”
Comment by DLPoff — April 14, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
[...] recent discussion about the word “termination” for ending employment heightened my sensitivity to militant terminology in our every day [...]
Pingback by A PowerPhrase A Week » Poison Phrase ~ Pain Killer — April 29, 2008 @ 9:50 am
Sorry I’m so far behind in my reading on this one, but this issue pushes one of my hot buttons. It is this. I cannot stand it when someone pretends to be “nice” and considerate of my feelings by using language that shifts the responsibility of the decision being made BY THEM, from them to me. They just don’t want to feel like the bad guy. If you are the one making the decision, or the one charged with the responsibility of delivering a committee-made decision, then have the “brass” to take that responsibility. If you want to use language that is not hostile or judgmental, I’m all for that, but do not presume you are in a position to make decisions for me like “freeing you up for other opportunities.” Otherwise it’s just another lie, in a world filled with lies. How about something as simple and honest as “We just don’t feel you are a good fit for our company, Bob.” Or if there are real issues in the person’s performance, “We’ve given you several opportunities to improve Bob, but feel we cannot spend company resources that way any longer.” I understand there are liability issues for companies when firing employees, but as long as they are telling the truth and can document that truth, surely truth is better for everyone than lying?
Comment by Kathleen — May 31, 2008 @ 9:24 am
[...] SpeakStrong blog had a lively dialogue about the word termination and how to tell someone they’re fired. It led to a broader discussion about the constant struggle to balance truth and sensitivity. Here [...]
Pingback by Management Skill Training » Language to use at termination — June 10, 2008 @ 10:02 am
Great suggestions, Kathleen. Somewhere between “termination” and “We’re doing this because we love you” are word choices that will work.
http://www.managementskilltraining.com/blog/2008/06/10/language-to-use-at-termination/
Comment by merylrunion — June 10, 2008 @ 10:05 am