Business memos are an important point of communication in any business. They can be important to starting the day and ending the day. They can even be important upon leaving a business. The most recent example of this was the memo that former Groupon CEO Andrew Mason sent to employees after he was fired.
Mason, one of the co-founder's of Groupon, wrote a frank and honest memo to the employees of the deal website:
"People of Groupon,
After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding - I was fired today."
Mason goes on to explain why he was fired, why it was the right decision for the company and his hopes for the companies future success. He used humor and tact, showing the face of a real human being through his letter. It was a successful ending memo. It doesn't make the employees want to jump ship or run scared from the possibility of a new boss.
Carol Bartz's memo to employees after being fired from Yahoo was much different. It left a bad taste in the mouth. Her letter to 14,000 employees announced exactly how she was fired and why her firing was unjustified.
She wrote:
"To all,
I am very sad to tell you that I've just been fired over the phone by Yahoo's Chairman of the Board. It has been my pleasure to work with all of you and I wish you only the best going forward.
Carol"
The difference between the two memos is night and day. Both were blunt. Both had an effect on employees --one good, one bad. It shows how important a memo can be even when someone is leaving the business, particularly the boss.
Mason, one of the co-founder's of Groupon, wrote a frank and honest memo to the employees of the deal website:
"People of Groupon,
After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding - I was fired today."
Mason goes on to explain why he was fired, why it was the right decision for the company and his hopes for the companies future success. He used humor and tact, showing the face of a real human being through his letter. It was a successful ending memo. It doesn't make the employees want to jump ship or run scared from the possibility of a new boss.
Carol Bartz's memo to employees after being fired from Yahoo was much different. It left a bad taste in the mouth. Her letter to 14,000 employees announced exactly how she was fired and why her firing was unjustified.
She wrote:
"To all,
I am very sad to tell you that I've just been fired over the phone by Yahoo's Chairman of the Board. It has been my pleasure to work with all of you and I wish you only the best going forward.
Carol"
The difference between the two memos is night and day. Both were blunt. Both had an effect on employees --one good, one bad. It shows how important a memo can be even when someone is leaving the business, particularly the boss.
