Christys “Parts Palace” is coming along nicely. Things are settling into place and its oh so nice to know whether or not something is in stock.
Its even more refreshing to find out that something you ordered has arrived. But its not all fun and games here at the marina....I had to fire somebody today. I'm sure it sucked for him but I KNOW it sucked for me. The dude was a fairly new hire that had embellished his abilities to the point that now in hindsight I find it,well, laughable. Of course we didn't know that at the time and nobodies laughing now.
About 10 days ago I had to talk to him about the level of effort I thought he was displaying. He didn't realize that I was delivering a monologue and tried to turn into an episode of “Point, Counterpoint”. I had 4 guys working on the same project. One of the fellas has 20 year under his belt and is already working. There’s 2 guys barely making more than minimum wage and they're at work and here comes the new guy with his cup a' java headed towards the already busy crew. Fuck that.
I made sure he was aware of my displeasure with his work ethic and since the conversation was already careening downhill I voiced my opinion on his questionable professional skills. Not surprisingly he was quite taken aback and seemed to think that raising his voice at me would help. He was wrong. One of the bonuses of being a lobster serial killer is that you gain some healthy lungs. You can't talk over me and the limits of my volume have yet to be tested.
The last 2 weeks have been a test of my patience. I was raised that when you started a job you put out some effort, some energy, you endeavored to impress. Watching this guys lethargic approach to everything has been eating at me. It was like watching a glacier move through the boatyard. When it became obvious that the quality of his work was something we couldn't be associated with it was time to part company.
I've never been fired. So I have this notion of what the impact of a firing has on the individual and their family. I figure its pretty traumatic and even though its warranted I’m not looking forward to it. A slacker like this can drag a small company full of hard working people down so he has to go.
When he picked up his check at the end of the day I told him that I was letting him go. His reaction was a complete lack of reaction. No anger, no despair, nothing at all...just an “Oh, okay”. I've been stressing over having to turn his world on its ear and his reaction is.....nothing. I still can't get over it.
10 comments:
I'm starting to remember why I retired.
Maybe he's been fired so often that it has lost it's impact.
I had to track a guys performance for a couple months so the boss could build a case. I even told the guy what was going on, and he still acted like he didn't care. Some folks are hard to figure out.
The first time I had to fire someone it was because I caught him stealing supplies. Even though it was justified I still found it being one of the hardest things I have ever done.
Later there were other occasions and none of them were any easier.
It’s just a tough thing to have to do.
I hear you but then iM sure you were more then fair I know when I use to hire and fire they wer egive many opportunities to understand what was needed.
I was hard on me then many of them so I understand, but you can t let the others see bad work. As you know there is 25% that will do everything no matter what and 25% that you cant get it no matter what and you manager the middle
Dave Donna
If it wasn't for the whole "paycheck" thing I'd have stayed retired...lol
I really think getting canned has become a way of life for him.
I'd have been happier if I had caught him stealing.
I'm lucky that half the guys are self motivated, self starters. The rest work well with some direction and I really only have 1 more guy that needs constant babysitting. But that'll change.
I need to come work for you. I always get in trouble for working too hard...
Deb
S/V Kintala
www.theretirementproject.blogspot.com
Deb, thats just one more thing to chat about over cocktails
Bill, you did the right thing...for all concerned. He knew it wasn't a good fit by his reaction. You actually did him a favor.
Funny how people are. I see more and more these days that people don’t seem to care. If I was canned – that would be a life changing event. I’ve come close to firing people several times, but only had to do it once and the guy begged and literally cried when I did it. I gave him several verbal warnings, followed by several written warnings and it was spelled out that if he continued to make errors he could be terminated. I guess he thought we’d never do it, because he boasted to others (including his supervisor!!??) that he figured out how to work the system. The next error he made was his last. BTW – errors here can cost in the mid to high six figures, so we take it pretty seriously. He didn’t. Not sure when people started losing the whole work ethic thing, but it seems a thing of the past these days.
Apparantly, his getting fired ethic is similar to his work ethic!
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