so my boss just got fired

[northzax]

and is working from home. it's not yet public knowledge, but what do I say in my next email? I can't say I'm sorry, but I feel like I must acknowledge it somehow.

suggestions?

[nini]

1. just wish him well.

keeps it non commital to whether you think he deserved it or not.

[Lars39]

2. Agreed.

You never know what future bed of roses he might fall into that could help you by contact.



edit: #$%#$%#% pain meds!

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. Don't burn no bridges! Does your boss know he's fired?

That's the important question.

[oneighty]

4. Smart, very smart Rabrrrrrr

never burn a bridge!

Did I spell Rabrrrrrrrr right?

180

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. You had it right in the subject line

two too many "r"s the second time.

I don't mind too many, it's the too few that always seem really odd.


Rabrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr <-- okay

Rabrrr <-- not okay

(Like Gavin Milarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr from Python)

[northzax]

5. yes, she does.

but she doesn't know that I know.



the only problem with not burning bridges? I engineered the whole thing.

[Rabrrrrrr]

6. LOL! Well, then, just send a "Hasta La Vista, baby!"

with a nice, bullet-pointed powerpoint presentation of why you will not miss her.

Though, truthfully, you'd want to wait until it is public knowledge so you can send a note with honesty. Even if you engineered it, unless it was because of something truly dangerous or whatever, no sense in letting her know or even suspect you helped with it.

Like we say, don't burn any bridges. You really never know when she might pop up in your life again, when you are having a crisis of need.

[GOPisEvil]

8. Nice going Machiavelli!

Just kidding! :D

You might do well to wait until the firing is public, then wish her well in the future.

So, um, when do you get her job? ;-)

[northzax]

9. oh, I was aiming for next spring

the whole thing went a bit faster than I thought it would.

[GOPisEvil]

10. What kind of work do you do?

And, do you get to hire your replacement?

Just curious...not like I'd like to relocate to DC or anything...*whistles innocently*...

[northzax]

12. international jewel theft

along with various 'shipping' operations. Although we are considering expanding into arms, hell of a profit margin.

actually, I'm and environmental activist. not really the machiavellian type, you know.

[GOPisEvil]

14. Sounds like you do good work.

If you need a semi-broken-down mid-level bureaucrat with some legislative analysis skills, give me a call!

Danger is my middle name; plus I'm Greek by birth. I'll fit right into arms trade. :-)

[inthecorneroverhere]

11. so....

So what did the boss do that was wrong enough to get her or him tossed into a bad economy where it may be months before he or she gets another job themselves?

Just kinda wondering -

edit: unknown gender of boss

[northzax]

13. ran the place into the ground

endangering my job. and the jobs of 8 people who work for me. gotta look out for their interests, you know.

[SOteric]

15. If I were in your shoes, it would depend

Does your boss know/suspect/have reason to believe that you were instrumental in her departure?

If yes, then you're best off not saying anything remotely like "I'm sorry" or offering regret. I'd go with a nice, upbeat question about whether she was planning to take some time off between jobs or whether she had some prospects lined up. That tells her that you know she's not with the firm any more, without bringing up the obvious confrontation. It implies an interest in her welfare without expressing any false regrets at her departure.

Above all, keep it as pleasantly professional as possible.