I don't think there's a good way that would everywhere, in all cases, be perceived by the person in question as good. Everyone's an individual. But some manage

I don't think there's a good way that would everywhere, in all cases, be perceived by the person in question as good. Everyone's an individual. But some managers have more charisma, or capability to reflect compassion, or whatever it is, so that when they do the firing, it does not feel as bad. Some managers are clumsy and behave among other people's emotions like an elephant in a porcelain shop. Some are just awkward. And then there is methodology. Corporations often have guidelines for how to do this. For instance, in the processes where I have been involved, there's been a training and emphasis on how things are done: deliver a paper of this format, do it in a personal discussion if possible, with some rehearsed phrases to get around the awkwardness. If you have to do it via mail or deliver the message otherwise, do this and that. The bottom line is, both the personalities and consistent professional ways to do things have an impact. Still, it's often horrible. There is no guaranteed good way.