Making a tough decision today to layoff 1 of my two direct reports. Startup that ramped up in expectation of business coming in, but it hasn't come to fruition just yet.

What's the best way I can support this person as they are let go?

Plus, any advice from those involved in start-ups and seeing the writing on the wall?

I've considered when this day comes, offering to take the layoff myself but 1-month severance doesn't seem to fit the bill. I've got some concerns of longevity for sure and I think my next role I'd like to consider a remote position.

While kind of true, they've been a good employee. But young enough to land on their feet.

All good points. It's definitely a business decision and just not as good a performer as the other one.

My approach is just to be straight forward about it and let life move on.

As stated above, just be honest with them. If it's business related, explain that. If it's performance related, explain that. Down the road they will appreciate your candor. Also, if you have an HR representative, they should be teed up to explain any severance, COBRA, how they will pack up any personals, etc. Most people will have their heads spinning and not hear or process much after you tell them they are being let go. I'm a believer in there is not much upside in having a prolonged conversation with them at this point, which is where typically you give them 5 minutes or less about what's happening and let HR take over. Don't be surprised if they are upset and mad. Hopefully after time settles, you can maintain a relationship. You can also offer to be a reference if you are comfortable doing that.

Yep, be straight-forward. And be empathetic about the difficulty this may cause them, but not apologetic.

Briefly explain the why. Thank them for all they did. If appropriate, you can clarify that it was not performance related. Then turn it over to HR to hit a few of the key severance highlights, but on that front, you'll want HR to send them the details/package and give them time afterward to review and come back with questions

This translates from sports into business pretty well.

I've been laid-off three times in my career. I saw it coming on the last two, the first one was out of the blue in my first job out of school.

Be direct, don't apologize or make any excuses.

Also, don't do it on a Monday, that one hurt more for some reason.

Team of 2 that work for you… I'd not touch performance in the matter.

You also need to know that if you are letting half of your team go and a reorg doesn't couple it, then you aren't just letting half of your team go, you are letting half of your team go and creating a massive and probably extremely active flight risk too.

Lay your teammate off honestly, swiftly and frankly, but move on and make sure you are putting even more care in keeping the one who is remaining locked in and committed.