Throughout my illustrious career (and by "illustrious," I mean filled with the same coffee spills and humbling mistakes as everyone else), I've yet to meet a soul who thinks they've acted too hastily in letting someone go. It seems we're all enrolled in what I've affectionately dubbed "The 5 Stages of Firing" - a journey with more twists than short cut in St Lucia.
Stage 1: Denial
Ah, Denial. Not just a river in Egypt, but also the state of mind we find ourselves in when we spot trouble but convince ourselves it's not that bad. "Is their performance really that detrimental?" we ask, as we step over the metaphorical (and sometimes literal) messes left behind.
Stage 2: It’s Not You, It’s Me
Here we dive into the guilt pool headfirst. "Did we give them enough training? Were my instructions clearer than peanut butter?" Somehow, it's all our fault, and we're considering therapy for our managerial woes.
Stage 3: I Can't Do This Without Them
Suddenly, our team looks like a Jenga tower, and this person is the crucial block at the bottom. "Can we even function without them?" we panic, envisioning a post-apocalyptic workplace where coffee goes unmade and emails unanswered.
Stage 4: Avoidance
We become Houdinis, expertly avoiding any confrontation. I once had a client reduce an employee's hours and switch them to a four-day workweek, just to avoid awkward encounters. As for me? I built a home shed-office to escape a building I owned. Yes, really.
Stage 5: Monday Morning Quarterback
Once the deed is done, we're swamped with hindsight advice. "You should've done it sooner," say colleagues, as if this was news. And, of course, everyone knew about the misdeeds we were blissfully ignorant of. “He was why Sharon left” - Sharon was great by the way.
(Bonus) Stage 6: Memory Loss
Ever find yourself romanticizing the past, forgetting the pain, and considering rehiring that person? Yeah, me neither...this usually leads back to stage 1.
So, What's the Verdict?
Am I advocating for the "fire fast" mantra? Not quite. Think of leadership like driving lessons: you don't wait for the car to be in the ditch to offer guidance. Early, proactive adjustments prevent major crises. Our role is to steer the ship with a steady hand, through both smooth and choppy waters. We need to act fast not total the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the complexities of firing and hiring can feel like an episode of a sitcom - equal parts comedy and tragedy. But remember, the goal is to learn, laugh (mostly at ourselves), and lead with a little more wisdom each day.
So, let's keep the conversation going. Have you ever found yourself looping through these stages? Share your tales of managerial mishaps and triumphs below: