The Termination Preparation Guide

Help me prepare to let someone go professionally and humanely.

The situation: [PERFORMANCE / REDUNDANCY / CONDUCT — DESCRIBE]
The history: [WHAT'S BEEN TRIED, WHAT'S DOCUMENTED]
My constraints: [POLICY, LEGAL, TIMELINE]

Provide:
1. Whether the groundwork appears to be in place (documentation, prior
   feedback, process) or if I'm moving too fast
2. How to prepare for and structure the conversation
3. How to deliver it with clarity and dignity — brief, clear, kind
4. What to say and firmly avoid saying
5. How to handle the team and the aftermath

Treat this as preparation only — I must confirm the process with HR and
legal before acting, and you should tell me to. Flag anything that looks
legally risky.