The Tough Decisions: Reflecting on Terrible Experiences of Firing Someone

Being in a position of authority often means making difficult decisions, particularly when it comes to making personnel changes. Two experiences, each with its unique challenges, stand out as particularly tough and sobering instances of firing someone. These stories highlight the complexities and emotions involved in such decisions.

Experience 1: The Early Termination

During the rapid expansion of my new startup to the US market, I had to quickly hire 12 people to lay the groundwork for technical operations. This rapid expansion inevitably introduced a few misfits into our team. One person, who lied about his qualifications and was unprepared for the role, was one such individual. His behavior, including showing up late and being absent without notice, quickly became a problem. Despite these issues, something felt off, and I decided to meet him in a more personal setting.

Unexpected Outcomes

I scheduled a confrontation at the airport before 9/11 where personal screening for security was relatively easy. However, the firing turned out to be anticlimactic. The individual acknowledged he was ill-equipped for the position. A week later, I learned he had taken his own life due to personal issues, including his wife leaving him and obtaining a restraining order. Although feeling guilty, I knew I had done my due diligence in the hiring process, and he was part of a larger problem that needed addressing.

Experience 2: The Termination with a Son

As the manager of a group of salespeople and service technicians, I had to deal with various behavioral and compliance issues. One service technician was caught misusing the company credit card, and his behaviors included taking shortcuts related to his work route and driving his son to dental appointments. When it came time to terminate his employment, I faced an unexpected dilemma. I was planning to take the company truck from him, as his insurance and other benefits would end.

A Difficult Decision

When the employee arrived with his teenage son, I realized the severity of how I was about to break the news. I had to weigh the potential risks of a disgruntled driver versus the humiliation of a son being present during such a personal moment. Instead of proceeding with the termination face-to-face, I decided to lie to the employee and ask him to meet me later, giving him plenty of time to prepare his son for the change. The next day, I formally terminated his employment and personally delivered the news, which he took surprisingly well.

Lessons Learned

Both experiences underscore the ethical dilemma and emotional toll of firing someone. These incidents highlighted the importance of: Comprehensive background checks and thorough interviews Handling terminations with dignity and respect Considering the personal lives of employees when making difficult decisions The broader implications of terminations beyond the individual

Though these experiences were challenging, they taught me valuable lessons about empathy, ethical responsibility, and the impact of our decisions on others.