Engagement

Interlude 5Move On? Push Out?

THE BASIC SURE PRINCIPLE IS SIMPLE. Engage first. Exit only if necessary. But how do you know when it's necessary? That question vexes Vicky. On the one hand, she wonders if she should fire members of the team she has inherited. On the other, she puzzles over how her relationship with Michael can ever work. If things aren't working, sometimes you have to move on—or push someone out. If you've persisted and done your best, and there are no signs a situation can be salvaged, it's time to face a hard and painful reality.

Consistent use of the SURE model should reduce the odds that you have to face the painful decision to fire someone or to exit from a relationship that can't be saved. Your difficult people may not become perfect, but things will usually improve enough that you can work together productively and strengthen that over time. But, in other cases, persistent application of the SURE principles may bring a different clarity: recognition that divorce is the best option. If you've persisted and done your best and there are no signs a situation can be salvaged, it may be time to face a hard and painful reality.

1. Stop, Look, and Learn: Review and Reconfirm

   In dealing with both her boss and subordinates, Vicky shows remarkable ability to take a long view. In stressful moments, she avoids acting on impulse or throwing in the towel at a first failure. Instead, Vicky takes time to reflect and, often, get input. She could have fired Carlos, Lin, or ...