How to Handle a Bad Hire

Marcianne Kuethen

February 6, 2013

Isn’t it weird how the atmosphere in the office changes when someone gets fired? It’s like someone set off a stink bomb and ordered everyone to endure it in silence. If only we never had to fire an employee…

David K. Williams maintains that firing a bad hire doesn’t have to be the first action you take when there’s a problem. He suggests using seven non-negotiable character traits to both screen candidates and deal with any problems once they’re employees: Respect, Belief Loyalty, Commitment, Trust, Courage, and Gratitude. If an employee is found to absolutely lack one of those characteristics, he’s probably toast. But for many employees, mistakes can become a learning experience for them through coaching and support. Mentoring them through the difficulty prevents that “stink bomb” atmosphere that firing someone creates.

If you’ve got a bad hire whom you’re debating whether to let go, read this thoughtful article. It may actually raise your team’s morale and increase employee retention!

Is obesity in your workplace costing your company money? Check out this thought-provoking info-graphic!

Article originally published on forbes.com by David K. Williams.