Communicate Like a Leader

CHAPTER 12

Fire People to Be Fair

I never make the mistake of arguing with people for whose opinions I have no respect.

—EDWARD GIBBON, 18TH-CENTURY ENGLISH AUTHOR AND HISTORIAN

How long before you know if a new hire is going to work out in a job?” I often pose that question to executives at client organizations.

Their answers vary from “a few weeks” to “three to six months.” But the most troubling situation seems to be correcting those mis-hire decisions quickly. Although most leaders embrace the adage “Hire slowly, fire fast,” they dread those dismissal conversations and struggle far too long, trying to correct a bad hiring decision.

But to be fair to all concerned—the organization, other team members, and the person being fired—leaders need ...