To: The Dallas Morning News Business Editor
Date:  August 26, 2009
Subject: When people get fired from their jobs
Result: said they'd print edited version, but I got nervous about the editing and withdrew it 

 

Dear Business Editor,

A recent review of a book by a human resources consultant quotes him as saying, "I am in favor of firing people who are unable to meet their goals."

I think that's fine, and sometimes it is true that somebody has to be fired.

However, I also think it should be recognized that, if I am a manager and I have to fire somebody, that means I failed.

First, I failed to hire the right person to begin with. There were probably many candidates who would have made fully capable, dedicated employees, but I failed to find them.  Now I have to spend more of my company's money to find and train and develop somebody else.

And second, I failed to manage the person I'm firing in such a way as to bring out his or her best.

I personally would not be able to easily accept much of that type of failure in myself. Moreover, if I were that manager's boss, and there was more than a minimal amount of firing going on, I would question whether he or she is the right person for their job.

Thank you, John Vehon