ABSTRACT
CEOs are fired all the time. Most don’t like it but generous severance packages make it easier. So most don’t say anything and go off to be CEO somewhere else, or they “retire,” or they leave because they want to spend more time with the family. CEOs don’t appreciate being fired, although they rarely hesitate when it comes time to fire others. The fired CEO is embarrassed, humiliated, and now might have to be reconsidered for the country club membership. And, even though no CEO should be surprised when the ax comes down (there are always plenty of clues, like stock performance), the fired CEO has a variety of communications styles and reactions.
