This team member isn’t working out, what do I do?

In 2025 you’ll probably have to fire someone in your business.

It might be a long-term team member... or an underperforming outside contractor.

But it’s almost a guarantee that at some point you’ll need to have a difficult conversation.

And because it’s difficult chances are that you’ll put it off for far too long.

Gino Wickman, in his book Traction, says:
“Firing someone is 36 hours of pain.”

It’s basically 24 hours of anxiety leading up to the conversation... and 12 hours of dealing with the aftermath. And then life pretty much gets back to normal.

Bottom Line: It won’t be as bad as you think.

And if you don’t lean into the 36 hours of pain ... and you wait, hesitate & procrastinate...

Not firing the person could lead to 36 days – or even 36 months - of continued chronic pain in your business because you won’t step-up and make the tough call.

So here’s your action plan:

1. If you need to fire someone, make a plan to do it as quickly as possible.

2. If you need professional guidance on the firing process, consult an HR specialist who can guide you through the legal process for terminating an employee (if you need someone for this I can connect you with someone top notch who’s helped some of my long-term clients)

3. If you don’t need to fire someone, take this advice from one of my mentors Verne Harnish, author of Scaling Up.

Verne says, “Your job as a leader is to upgrade one seat in your business every quarter.”

That might be hiring a new person to fill an empty position.

That might mean spending time & money on training for a person in an existing position.

And that might also mean firing an underperforming person and hiring their replacement.

Whatever the case...

Rip the bandage off as quickly — and professionally (and legally!) — as possible.

It’s 36 hours of pain but it allows you to get back on track with what you really should be doing.

Success Loves Speed,

Craig

PS - If you’re ready to 2X your income (or more) while working 10 less hours per week...

... Just REPLY to this email with the words “2X 10 LESS” and we'll set up a time to chat with you to find out if we can help.

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