Today, I had met up for lunch with a former colleague at one of downtown TO’s usual uptight “be seen” spots. As we were looking over the menu, she commented on the fact that it had changed since the last time she was there.
She then proceed to say “Which was when I brought someone here to fire them.” WHAT?!?! Getting fired over lunch? Who does that?
To add to my shock was the fact that I count this person as one of my favourite colleagues of all time and definitely one of the best people I’ve ever worked with. What had gone wrong? Had the pressures of the c-suite finally taken their toll?
Well, apparently the firing was all incredibly amicable… my colleague had found her derailing direct report another job (which she is apparently excelling at) and they are still in touch, so all’s well that end’s well.
Which just goes to show you… if you manage people properly (ie: have regular feedback sessions, be honest and open about your expectations and how they’re being met, treat people with respect, etc. etc.), even firing can be a pleasant task completed between the drink order and main course with lots of time to chat over coffee when it’s all said and done.
Happy leading!
