The Firing Fallacy

We think of firing someone as a totally negative experience. It's not. 

Termination is just as often a confirmation of strength as it is a sign of weakness. Firing can be good for both parties provided the proper humanitarian and legal guidelines are followed. 

What's worse than an organization wasting money employing someone who doesn't fit? Or an employee "serving time" in an organization that doesn't suit his or her aptitude or style? 

While not proposing that firing someone is an act of humanity, it is often more humanitarian than keeping the person around. Doing so prevents the individual from achieving something of value in an alternative environment. 

There are times when an involuntary termination is in the best interests of both parties. The time has passed when enlightened companies hold on to people to be good guys. To keep an able-bodied but ineffective person is a disservice to the potential of both parties. The way to control turnover and protect the interests of both the organization and the individual is to have a tough, thorough selection process. Making it tough to get in reduces traffic on the way out.