[header] How to discipline an employee [title] Conduct your own investigation. [step] Before you bring any disciplinary action against an employee at any stage of progressive discipline, it's important that you review the evidence against the employee. [substeps] Ask yourself who is actually at fault in the situation. 
It's possible that the situation is more complex than you initially thought. Consider whether the employee had full control over his performance--for example, did the employee fully understand the roles and assignments of his position? [title] Ask to speak in private.