How to Fire Your MSP

How to Have the Difficult “Realignment Meeting” with Your IT Provider

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by

Bryan
in

If your Managed Service Provider (MSP) isn’t delivering, you might feel like you have only two choices: tolerate it or fire them.
But there’s a third option, and it’s often the most productive one: the realignment meeting.

A realignment meeting is a focused, structured conversation where you put your provider on notice, clearly define your concerns, and give them a chance to get things back on track.
It’s not about venting; it’s about clarity, accountability, and deciding whether the relationship can be saved.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip It

Even if you think you’re ready to make a change, skipping the realignment step can backfire.

  • You might discover the issues were due to miscommunication, not incompetence.
  • Giving them a chance can lead to a stronger partnership than before.
  • If you do part ways, you’ll have documentation showing you gave them the opportunity to improve.

Step 1: Do Your Homework

Before the meeting:

  • Document your concerns with specific examples, dates, and impacts.
  • Reference your contract where applicable to show alignment with agreed terms.
  • Resist adding wish-list items — this isn’t the time to pile on extras.

The goal here is to define what’s broken without letting the conversation get sidetracked.

Step 2: Set the Tone

This conversation should happen face to face whenever possible (or via video if remote).
Avoid email for the initial discussion, but do follow up in writing afterward.

Set the ground rules:

  • Keep it professional, factual, and focused on solutions.
  • Avoid sarcasm, blame, or emotionally charged language.
  • Make it clear the meeting’s purpose is to determine whether improvement is possible.

Step 3: Structure the Conversation

A simple structure works best:

  1. Review the current state — services provided, contractual commitments, and recent performance.
  2. Present documented concerns — stick to facts and impacts.
  3. Hear their side — let the MSP explain, clarify, or provide context.
  4. Define measurable improvement goals — use clear metrics and deadlines.
  5. Agree on follow-up — set a review date to measure progress.

Step 4: Agree on Outcomes

By the end of the meeting, you should have one of three conclusions:

  1. Agreement to improve — with specific goals, timelines, and responsibilities.
  2. Mutual decision to part ways — with a transition plan in place.
  3. No agreement — which usually means it’s time to move on.

Step 5: Follow Up in Writing

Send a recap email within 24 hours:

  • Summarize concerns, agreed goals, and deadlines.
  • Keep it professional — this is part of your paper trail.
  • Ensure all parties confirm receipt.

Pro Tip:
Bring a neutral, tech-savvy third party to the meeting if you’re concerned the MSP might talk over your head. This keeps the discussion balanced and focused.

Bottom line:
A realignment meeting isn’t about being “nice”; it’s about being strategic.
By giving your provider a fair, documented chance to fix the relationship, you protect your business, avoid unnecessary disruption, and ensure that if you do part ways, you do it from a position of clarity and strength.

Want a ready-to-use agenda for your next realignment meeting?
We’ve created a free, fillable Realignment Meeting Agenda template you can use to keep the conversation productive and on track. Download it here.

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