interview
IN PHOTO. Student Miles Spencer, 17, receives feedback on his resume during an interview as part of work readiness training at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, California April 14, 2012. Reuters/ Patrick T. Fallon

Saying goodbye to your staff is both a difficult and emotionally charged experience. You have to prepare the right words to impart to your people so you can maintain a solid relationship and let them know the reasons why you are not keeping them. Here are tips on how to bid your staff farewell in a tact and proper manner.

1. Determine the method of communication. LinkedIn notes that some employees feel more comfortable with an exit interview if it is conducted through the medium that they prefer. Some of your staff may like to do a one-on-one personal interview while others would rather prepare a questionnaire or communicate via email. The best approach would be to ask your staff how he intends to conduct the exit interview so he can ask the necessary questions and you can provide the full details clearly.

2. Be honest. Trying to sugar-coat the facts will only make the employee wonder why you are letting him go. Clearly indicate his strengths and weaknesses and the real reasons why the company needs to bid him goodbye. Your staff will be more open to criticisms and feedback at this point rather than get confused if you do not provide all the details for his departure.

3. Encourage honesty. Also encourage your staff to be honest about the reasons why he is leaving or if there are any existing concerns that have been bothering him in the recent weeks. Get the specifics so you can make the necessary adjustments in the company. Your objective is to discover existing issues that might be undermining your business so get information from the staff level in the most honest way possible.

4. Do not offend. Forbes reported that you should avoid attacking the staff personally. Do not use profane words, gender slurs and other offensive language that will only cause more hurt or even ignite long term problems after the employee leaves. Keep the conversation open and maintain a calm and controlled tone throughout.

Keep your emotions in check before conducting the exit interview. Be direct and firm in your statements and act professionally throughout, especially when dealing with long-time staff whom you may have already established a friendship with.