Soft Skills Engineering Episode 474: I hate the idea of firing a low performer and cheaper context switching
44 snips
Aug 18, 2025 The podcast dives into the tough reality of firing low performers, balancing empathy with accountability. There's a deep discussion on how new managers can handle termination transparently, while also maintaining team morale. Listeners also get tips on reducing the mental cost of context switching, especially when juggling meetings and coding tasks. Practical strategies for managing interruptions and nurturing curiosity in projects are shared, making strides towards improved focus and productivity.
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Keep Firings Short And Protective
- Keep termination meetings short and direct to protect everyone from saying or doing regrettable things.
- Aim for a 5–10 minute meeting and offer follow-up later if needed.
Reluctant Managers Wait Too Long
- Letting a talented person go is often harder emotionally than firing a clear mismatch.
- Waiting too long to fire usually means you should have done it earlier.
Make Consequences Clear Before Firing
- Tell underperformers clearly that their job is at risk if they don't change and document the warnings per HR requirements.
- Make consequences explicit rather than trying to fix personal issues for them.
