⚡ Promptolis Original · Career & Work
👋 Firing / Termination Conversation Script
When letting someone go: respect + clarity + speed. HR-aligned script that doesn't dehumanize but doesn't waver. 5-10 minutes, decisions made…
Firing / Termination Conversation Script — When letting someone go: respect + clarity + speed. HR-aligned script that doesn't dehumanize but doesn't waver. 5-10 minutes, decisions made… Setup: 2 min to try · Best AI: Opus 4 for sensitivity. · Cost: Free, MIT-licensed.
Why this is epic
Firing is among hardest workplace conversations. Managers often either draw out (prolonging pain) or go cold (dehumanizing). Research: clear + respectful + fast is best for both parties.
HR + legal alignment ensures exits are clean. This prompt integrates HR protocol with human delivery.
📑 Page navigation + Key Takeaways Click to expand
📌 Key Takeaways
- What it is: When letting someone go: respect + clarity + speed. HR-aligned script that doesn't dehumanize but doesn't waver. 5-10 minutes, decisions made…
- Best for: Performance-based termination
- Time investment: 2 min to try setup, 30 min prep + 5-10 min conversation output
- Recommended AI model: Opus 4 for sensitivity.
- Cost: Free forever — MIT-licensed, no signup, no paywall
📑 On this page
- The prompt (copy-ready)
- How to use it (4 steps)
- Example input + output
- Common use cases
- Pro tips + variants
- FAQ
⚙️ At a glance
- Category:
- Career & Work
- Setup time:
- 2 min to try
- Output time:
- 30 min prep + 5-10 min conversation
- Best AI model:
- Opus 4 for sensitivity.
- License:
- MIT (free commercial use)
- Last reviewed:
📊 Promptolis Original vs generic AI prompts Click to expand
| Feature | Promptolis | Generic prompts |
|---|---|---|
| Structure: | XML + chain-of-thought | Role-play one-liner |
| Example output: | Real full example | Rare |
| Variants: | 3-7 per prompt | Single |
| Output quality: | +30-50% accurate [Anthropic] | Baseline |
On the other hand, generic prompts work fine for simple lookups. Promptolis Originals shine for nuanced reasoning where precision matters.
The prompt
Example: input → output
Here's how this prompt actually performs. Real input below, real output from Claude Opus 4.
<type>Performance termination</type> <tenure>2 years</tenure> <documented-issues>3 formal warnings, 2 PIPs failed, 6-month pattern of missed deadlines + quality issues</documented-issues> <severance-plan>2 weeks pay + standard benefits continuation 30 days</severance-plan>
Pre-Conversation Checklist (morning of)
- HR rep present in room
- Termination letter + severance agreement printed
- IT briefed to disable access after conversation ends
- Personal belongings plan (walk out immediately OR return later with HR supervision)
- Final paycheck details
- Benefits continuation info packet
- Reference policy (company position)
- Your calendar clear for 30 min after — you'll be emotionally wrung out
Opening (direct — 30 seconds)
'[Name], I asked you here today with HR because I have difficult news. We're ending your employment effective today.'
Pause. Let it land. Do not elaborate yet.
Delivering Decision (2 min)
'As we've discussed in our previous conversations and PIPs over the past six months, the performance issues have not resolved. We've reached a point where continued employment isn't possible.
This decision is final. I want to be respectful of your time here and of you personally — and I also need to be clear that this is not open for negotiation.
HR will walk you through the specifics of separation terms in a moment.'
Logistics Cover (HR delivers, 3-5 min)
HR hands over:
- Termination letter
- Severance agreement (2 weeks + 30 day benefits)
- COBRA info
- Final paycheck timing
- Company property return (laptop, badge, etc.)
- Reference policy (usually neutral — dates + title confirmed)
- Sign severance agreement within X days for severance to apply
Question window: genuine questions yes. Not 'why me' at this point — decision is final.
If Emotional Response
Tears: 'I understand this is hard. Take a minute.' Wait. Don't rush to fill.
Anger / protest: 'I hear that you disagree. The decision is final. Let's get through the logistics so you have what you need.'
Threats (lawyer, lawsuit): 'You have every right to seek legal counsel. [HR rep] can answer questions about the severance agreement.' Don't argue.
Bargaining: 'I know you want to keep your job. The decision is final.'
Close (30 sec)
'I'm going to step out and let you finish with [HR rep]. Good luck to you.'
Don't linger. Don't apologize for firing them. Don't over-warmly goodbye — it reads as false given what just happened. Dignified exit.
Next 30 min: you will feel terrible. That's appropriate. Debrief with your manager / HR / trusted peer. This work is hard for good reason.
📋 How to use this prompt (4 steps · under 60 seconds) Click to expand
- 1 Copy the prompt above. Click "Copy prompt". XML-structured prompt now on clipboard.
- 2 Open ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. One-click launch above. Recommended: Opus 4 for sensitivity..
-
3
Paste + fill placeholders. Replace
{curly braces}with your context. Specificity = quality. - 4 Run + iterate. Setup: 2 min to try. Output: 30 min prep + 5-10 min conversation.
Common use cases
- Performance-based termination
- Layoff (not performance)
- Mutual separation
Best AI model for this
Opus 4 for sensitivity.
Pro tips
- HR briefed + in room if company requires (usually yes)
- Document everything leading up (6-12 weeks minimum)
- Morning of week is kinder than end-of-week
- 5-10 min max. Don't linger.
- Severance + benefits details pre-decided
Customization tips
- For layoffs (not performance): lead with 'this isn't about your performance. We're reducing the team due to [reason].' Different opening.
- For remote termination: video call, not text/email. Still brief + clear.
- For mass layoffs: process different. Individual conversations still needed; batch doesn't replace individual dignity.
Variants
Performance Termination
Fired for cause
Layoff Without Cause
Reduction-in-force
Mutual Separation
Negotiated exit
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this prompt and how to get the best results from it.
How do I use the Firing / Termination Conversation Script prompt?
Open the prompt page, click 'Copy prompt', paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, and replace the placeholders in curly braces with your real input. The prompt is also launchable directly in each model with one click.
Which AI model works best with Firing / Termination Conversation Script?
Opus 4 for sensitivity.
Can I customize the Firing / Termination Conversation Script prompt for my use case?
Yes — every Promptolis Original is designed to be customized. Key levers: HR briefed + in room if company requires (usually yes); Document everything leading up (6-12 weeks minimum)
What does it cost to use this prompt?
The prompt itself is free, MIT-licensed, with no email signup required. You only pay for your AI model subscription (ChatGPT Plus $20/mo, Claude Pro $20/mo, Gemini Advanced $20/mo) — and even those have free tiers that work with most Promptolis Originals.
How is this different from PromptBase or PromptHero?
PromptBase sells prompts in a marketplace ($2-15 each). PromptHero focuses on image-generation prompts. Promptolis Originals are free, MIT-licensed text/reasoning prompts hand-crafted with full example outputs, multiple variants, and a recommended best AI model per prompt. We don't sell anything.
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