The Hard Thing About Hard Things has some great insights on this

Depends on why, that individual, and your context as well. 

If you’re both mature professionals who have worked together for a while I actually think Moneyball is a decent example of respectfully doing it. It’s obviously much harder the smaller the team is. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fTjhHrcyiQI

weird internet kid. word rotator. yapping on /okbanger. playing with @wannanaplabs. curating in /cameron | dev + vet + HBS. 
Cameronarmstrong.org 🫡

Hey, Kamil. I have specific thoughts on this, as a coach. Let me know if you'd like to jam. Cheers :)

If it’s performance based, ideally they should already be aware of it before you even have the conversation. If it’s cost cutting, then be as transparent, helpful, and direct as possible. Brian Chesky did a great job in the latter when they cut jobs bc of the pandemic.

Be kind and as transparent as possible without risking physical/organizational harm. Express the reason why. Hopefully it’s not a surprise because you’ve given previous feedback.

Create a transition plan if needed, decommission access ASAP (if not during/instantly - depending on case)