When a team member is not a good fit

Every manager occasionally has to tell a team member that they are not a good fit for the team. This is a task that needs to be done properly, here are some things to keep in mind: 

1) The fact that the team member is not a good fit does not make that person a bad team member. They are just the wrong fit for a particular team. 

2) When speaking to the team member, it is important to explain to him or her, the specific reason for why they are not a good fit for the team. 

3) Managers should provide the team member with specific suggestions on ways that the team member can improve and become a better team member. 

4) Managers can never know when they will meet the team member again, so being professional is important. Additionally, the team member will remember and mentally review the meeting, and managers want to ensure that they did their best at the meeting. 
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Managers should remember that having to tell a team member that they are not a good fit is a learning opportunity for both the manager and the team member. Acting as a mentor, despite the fact that the team member will no longer be part of the team, goes a long a way. It ensures that the team member will, down the line, do the same whether they are in a manager or colleague position with a different team. Remember to pay it forward.