As a public service, I am going to show you how to detect bullshit. When you hear these phrases, you know that you are in the presence of some major league bullshit.

"It's nothing personal..."

When you hear this you've already been screwed without lube and, it's the worst kind of dishonest bullshit.

NOTHING could get more personal than a layoff or a firing. NOTHING gets more personal than a bad performance review or a screwing over via office politics.

So if you plan on using this one, schedule getting shot by a disgruntled former employee you bastard because you really f-ing deserve it.

There are ways of delivering bad news. Telling a bald faced lie isn't a great start.

Try telling the truth:

Boss: I'm sorry but I've got to lay off someone. Nobody likes you so, you're fooked.

or

Boss: I'm sorry but I've got to lay off someone. Since I'm not sleeping with you, buh-bye.

See how easy it is? If you're going to be a prick, you might as well be an honest prick.