My manager has been pressuring me to terminate an employee that reports to me. My report has receive good reviews over the past year but has never presented well in front of my manger and can sometimes behave emotionally and defensively when challenged. I've objected to taking action over the past three months, arguing that my report works hard and accomplishes most of her work goals.
Recently my report complained about another employee's behavior, even suggesting it was an act of discrimination. The complaint was forcible enough that I felt compelled to communicate it to HR and my boss. After discussing it with the other employee, we determined that the issue was a result of poor communication, not intentional misconduct.
Shortly after this episode, my manager verbally asked me to move my report's responsibilities to this other employee on the grounds that this other employee would get better results and said that HR confirmed it was not an issue to terminate my report. When I spoke directly to the head of HR, she was less confident that there were grounds for termination but that it was possible.
When asked, my manager would not confirm the decision in writing, stating she would "support my decision".
Besides not agreeing with the decision to terminate my report on professional and personal grounds, I'm concerned that I could be target of a lawsuit by the employee after termination.
What should I do?
Recently my report complained about another employee's behavior, even suggesting it was an act of discrimination. The complaint was forcible enough that I felt compelled to communicate it to HR and my boss. After discussing it with the other employee, we determined that the issue was a result of poor communication, not intentional misconduct.
Shortly after this episode, my manager verbally asked me to move my report's responsibilities to this other employee on the grounds that this other employee would get better results and said that HR confirmed it was not an issue to terminate my report. When I spoke directly to the head of HR, she was less confident that there were grounds for termination but that it was possible.
When asked, my manager would not confirm the decision in writing, stating she would "support my decision".
Besides not agreeing with the decision to terminate my report on professional and personal grounds, I'm concerned that I could be target of a lawsuit by the employee after termination.
What should I do?
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