[familyguy]

After 4 years, and debating with my business partner every month of those 4 years, we finally fired our worst employee. My foreman took a week off and he stepped up to run the lawn route.

On wednesday, he waged a full on argument with me about the way to efficiently run the day. (I heard from a few employees he was swearing and calling me an idiot... who makes $9 an hour for 4 years and is never good enough to get a raise?)

On Thursday, 1st he walked into the truck hitch, lost his temper, punchged the truck and blew out the tailight. 2nd rode the Z- turn like a bat outta hell and (as I was working on site and watching) drove into the side of my insurance agents acura. (then said he didn't know he hit it.... the whole car rocked back and forth and I watched him back away and mow off) 3rd. mowed over the corner of my business partners elderly grandmothers newly repaired wooden steps and scared the .... out of her. (someone else told me about it)

Finally Saturday, refused to eat lunch as a stand against the way I was running the day. (My foreman was back and we were working at a cemetary doing extra things. He was pissed we had to work a full day because usually they are done by 2 there and because I was there it was going to be a long day)

I think I waited AT LEAST a week too long to fire him. Anyway, my business partner was away on vacation as well (really rough 2 weeks being shortstaffed like this) and when I talked to him, he felt we should give him the ability to collect instead of firing him because he is just starting college classes again and he will have a tough time getting a flexible job. I agreed but a day later I feel like he can visit this guy...

sigh... maybe it's my turn for a vacation

[Timber Lane]

I fired two employees within a month last year - one was with me 5 years and the other 4 years. After analyzing the deterioration of these relationships, I think I came up with the problem.

When you first hire an employee, they do everything in their power to please YOU. But over time, the roles reverse and suddenly you realize you are doing everything you can to please THEM. They are having temper tantrums, show up late, come up with lame excuses to leave early, take long breaks, etc. and you put up with it even though it upsets you inside. They are being disrespectful and taking advantage of you.

I now explain to new employees on the day I hire them that several ex-employees used to "do everything to please me, as I'm sure you will do. But when the roles reverse and I'm always trying to please you, you're outta here."

Employees, like children, need to know the rules and what the bounds are. So far my new approach has worked.

[VoodooChile]

familyguy,
A week too long a wait? I'd say you waited a couple years too long. Disrespect, endangering others, physical violence, and harming/destroying clients' property, are all good grounds for immediate termination, and I'm sure this behavior didn't suddenly appear out of nowhere after 4 years.

I would trust your gut with people, and your gut was telling you this guy has got to go. Negotiating that with the partner might be hard, but being pissed at some replacable employee for 4 years is a lot harder and damaging to your business in many ways.

The first time I fired a guy, it was harder on me than him. Since then we go through a bunch of guys each seasons, always winding up with a few keepers. It's the price you pay for being the boss, but it sure beats digging all the holes yourself.

[Inspired]

Originally posted by familyguy
After 4 years, and debating with my business partner every month of those 4 years, we finally fired our worst employee.

I was thinking the same thing as VooDoo. Bad employees effect some many parts of your business. All the time you wasted wondering, worrying and debating about that guy... Imagine if you had that time back right now, what you could do with it.

[Mark Oomkes]

Thanks for typing out exactly what I was thinking Voodoo. Saved me a lot of hunt and peck.

Timberlane, you are excatly correct as well. Unfortunately, it seems to be that it is thought to be a right to be employed instead of a privilege. I get sick and tired of the attitudes that I'm worth $20\hour but I'll do things my way and if you want it your way I'm going to get pissed or I only will do what I want to without complaining, etc, etc ad nauseum. I'm in the process of trying to find a replacement lead employee as well. Started off great, thought things were going better than the last one and it's been downhill since. I could write a book on this guy alone, but I'll save everybody from my misery.

Give him the ability to collect what? He collected the last 4 years. He's in college, then he better grow up and learn how to be a responsible adult. I'd say you enabled him for quite a while already, now it's time for him to be on his own. With any luck, he'll learn something from his experience and be thankful in the long run. Stick to your guns, this guy doesn't deserve to collect unemployment.

[Dragonfly]

Regardless of how you felt before you fired him. After he walked out the door you had to have had an overwhelming sense of relief. You also now have 1 less thing to dread,bitch about,cause worry,wonder,stress, anxiety,anger,etc. YOU DID THE RIGHT THING !

[rbriggs]

Be slow to hire, and quick to fire!!! We dont' hesitate anymore. If they don't cut it, they're gone. PERIOD!