Office Terrorism
| posted by Fast Company staffI couldn't agree more with Alison's last Apprentice comment.
I've been around the managers who expedite the no-explanation firings. Those are the ones who like to do the Friday-at-5-clear-our-your-desk routine. You know....wait until the office starts to look thin, then just as the victim is getting ready to leave, call him into your office and tell him he won't be coming back on Monday. It's cowardly.
And incredibly offensive, not just to the one being fired but to all those left behind. No chance to say goodbye. No understanding of why. And then that nagging feeling that maybe I'm next, maybe the next bomb will drop right square in my cubicle.
Offering as much explanation as possible regarding a controversial action definitely makes one stronger - not weaker - as a leader. It's an act of transparency that shows you're taking care of your team and builds a reputation for respect and care for others....and credibility.
Comment
Recent Comments | 3 Total
March 12, 2004 at 11:09am
Joe GrossbergHa, that's nothing.
I once worked for a company that didn't even *tell* people that they were fired.
They showed up the next day and the cowardly boss left it to the IT department to explain why they couldn't log into their machines.
March 12, 2004 at 11:11am
Joe GrossbergOh, and just to clarify, I was no longer working there by the time this happened.
March 13, 2004 at 1:42am
Ericbeing as someone who has been fired and has had to fire people, I prefer to do it early in the day--I realize that I'm doing more than ruining their 'day'.
And yes, the less people around the better (IMO) because depending on the person, it can be a very devastating thing. ... and trudging back to your cube with people asking 'whats up' can just be painful.