Chris is the CEO of a small publishing business, and to keep the business profitable, he needs to sack a staff member.

It just so happens that Chris is friends with everyone in the organisation, and counts the person who needs to be dismissed as a friend.

They've worked together for the last five years, and have lunch together from time to time (outside of work).

However he's in a role that Chris sees as dispensable when it comes to cutting costs in the business.

• Is it a question of business versus friendship? What comes first?
• If Chris does go down the path of sacking his friend, how should he break it to him?
• Will he start to resent the friendship if he keeps him on?
• Are there ways to avoid sacking someone when times are tough?