The Agent Mindset Termination Protocol
"If you let them go kindly and humanely, the key is... you become their agent, like Michael Ovitz... You help them find their next job actively." — Matt Mochary
What It Is
This framework separates the business decision (customer needs) from the humane implementation. The manager acts as a talent agent (like CAA) for the departing employee, actively using their network to land them a new job.
When To Use
- Individual performance-based firings
- Large-scale layoffs
- Any situation where someone must leave
- To reduce trauma and reputational damage
The Protocol
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 1. DIRECT NOTIFICATION │
│ News delivered 1-on-1 by immediate manager │
│ NEVER via email or group settings │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 2. EMOTION RELEASE │
│ Allow venting of anger/sadness │
│ Simply listen and validate │
│ "I imagine you are feeling angry right now" │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 3. ACTIVE AGENCY │
│ Dedicate 1-2 hours to call your network │
│ Recommend them for their specific strengths │
│ Follow up on leads personally │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘Core Principles
1. Direct Notification
News must be delivered 1-on-1 by the immediate manager—never by email, HR, or in group settings.
2. Emotion Release
Allow the employee to vent anger/sadness. Simply listen and validate ("I imagine you are feeling angry").
3. Active Agency
Dedicate 1-2 hours to personally calling your network to recommend the employee for their specific strengths.
How To Apply
STEP 1: Prepare the Conversation
└── Clear calendar for 30-60 min afterward
└── Have logistics ready (severance, timeline)
STEP 2: Deliver News Directly
└── "I have difficult news. We are letting you go."
└── Be clear; don't soften with preamble
STEP 3: Create Space for Emotion
└── Silence. Let them react.
└── "I imagine you're feeling [angry/sad/shocked]"
└── Don't defend or explain excessively
STEP 4: Become Their Agent
└── "I want to help you find your next role"
└── Immediately think of 3-5 people to call
└── Make calls that day while it's fresh
STEP 5: Follow Up
└── Check in on their search
└── Provide references proactivelyCommon Mistakes
❌ Offering passive help ("let me know if you need a reference")
❌ Delivering news via email or group announcement
❌ Rushing through emotions to "get it over with"
Real-World Example
Matt firing a high-performing employee simply because there wasn't enough work, then helping him realize he wanted to be a founder and supporting that transition.
*Source: Matt Mochary, Lenny's Podcast*