---
title: "Iger's rules for firing someone"
description: "His internal set of rules for taking responsibility away from a person."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/the-ride-of-a-lifetime/igers-rules-for-firing-someone/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Iger's rules for firing someone

> His internal set of rules for taking responsibility away from a person.

Robert Iger's framework, from The Ride of a Lifetime, pp. 122 to 222.

Framework 7 of 7 from [The Ride of a Lifetime](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/the-ride-of-a-lifetime/index.md) by Robert Iger. Category: Leadership.

## The steps

1. **Do it in person.** Never by phone, email or text.
2. **Look the person in the eye.** Own the decision and use no one else as an excuse.
3. **Skip the small talk.** Open with the difficult reason you asked them in.
4. **Be direct about the issue.** Explain concisely what was not working and why you do not think it will change.
5. **Acknowledge it is harder for them.** Say it was a tough decision and that you know it hurts them more.
6. **Avoid euphemistic corporate language.** Keep it honest so the person can understand and move on.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: Part Two: Leading, pp. 122–222

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-ride-of-a-lifetime/igers-rules-for-firing-someone.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-ride-of-a-lifetime/igers-rules-for-firing-someone-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-ride-of-a-lifetime/igers-rules-for-firing-someone.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-ride-of-a-lifetime/igers-rules-for-firing-someone-dark.png