Inspire before you fire!

Have you ever fired someone? 

I’ve been on the receiving end of that question many times in interviews for leadership positions. It’s time to replace that question with “Have you ever developed someone?”

The former insinuates finality, the latter signifies opportunity. 

The former highlights the capacity for a difficult conversation; the latter implies the fortitude for many. 

The former requires an admission that things didn’t work; the latter communicates an investment to make things work.

If we pride ourselves on our experience and ability to hire and fire, then we are potentially missing a critical piece of the culture we wish to create. Our leadership isn’t defined by our ability to identify talent, but rather by our capacity to develop it. 

And yes, there are times where the investment of time and resources will still end in a separation. But we should be more curious and reflective about the journey we took to get there as opposed to how we communicated the result. Because if we are being honest, and if we are sincere about creating a culture of feedback, investment, and growth - then a separation is as much our failure as it is of the departing employee. 

Some questions to ask ourselves each day should include: 

• Have we set goals WITH, not for, our direct reports? 

• Do the goals help them feel a sense of excitement and growth? Are these goals set just beyond their comfort zone where they are energized to reach without feeling anxious and overwhelmed? 

• Have we discussed and identified all potential barriers to their success? 

• Have we thoughtfully and intentionally designed and offered a support system to remove any barriers to their success? 

• Have we offered any internal or external coaching? 

• Have we scheduled periodic check-ins to help them stay on track AND do we check in on how they are feeling, not just what they are doing? 

• Have we asked our direct reports what they feel they are learning, and whether that learning aligns to their own personal/professional aspirations? 

• Have we offered honest and direct feedback along the way? 

With this level of conscious effort, planning, and investment, we can create opportunities and forge breakthroughs. And that’s the leadership we can feel most proud of!