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[noonereal]

Originally Posted by Charles

I remember years ago I had to fire the neighbor kid, he was just a dud. Almost made me sick, but I finally worked up the gumption and told him, "Jim, I hate to do this, but I've got to let you go."

Once I saw the smile on his face, I finally made the connection. Jim never wanted a job, his Momma MADE him come ask me for a job.

That made me feel a little better, but I still despise passing out walking papers.

I remember back in the 70's one of the first people I had to let go was someone I had "carried" for a long time. When I told him he would be let go he was shocked. He demanded to know why if he was not producing why was he not told by me? I told him I never told him because I did not want him to feel bad and since I could get things done anyway why upset him.
He told me that I had not been fair to him and that by not being honest with him no matter what my intent gave him no opportunity to become productive.
He was right.

After that I fired many other people over the years but never had a bad experience again as I was always very clear on expectations and reviewed performance. In fact I had several people apologize to me when I fired them and even had people seek me out years later to thank me for all I had done for them in spite of having to fire them eventually.

Still it was never pleasant.