Taking Charge

HILLARY
Jack, recently I have gone through many transitions. I have a new job, and a new condo, and new relationship. With all of these additions, seems to come a new sense of responsibility. For example, with this new job came a team of employees, two of which were dragging down the entire system. It was a very difficult task to handle, but I fired both of them. This is totally new for me, and I have felt very guilty over the past few weeks because of it, even though I know that I made the right choice, and that the choice was supported by my superiors. I ask you, how do I manage all of these people and issues without hesitating because of my own guilt? I have guilt for living in a home that is so lovely, when others can’t afford anything? Guilt for being in a good relationship, when others around me are not? Guilt of taking charge in a new job, when others will have to suffer for that success? I do I manage this?

JACK
Hillary, you have and are paying your dues, and you seem to be mixing two problems. Let’s start with the basic concept that the mere act of living is stressful. When you achieve an executive position it becomes even more stressful, since you’ve compounded your duties. Then, start with the assumption that the world is full of inequities, but since you did not create those inequities my feeling is that you bear none of the responsibilities. Of course, we soften that by participating and contributing to charitable needs. I have a favorite gag, which like all good jokes has the essence of truth. I told people that for my 50th birthday I gave up all guilt. Since I’ve already done it successfully, you can do this gift for yourself for your next birthday, or even tomorrow, as guilt is a destructive and wasteful emotion. Now, the art of firing an employee is indeed difficult, and the longer he or she has been there, the more difficult it is. In the long run, you must follow the dictates of sound thinking. I have hired thousands of people, and my scorecard on the other side may be in the hundreds. My biggest problem was with sales, and when it became evident to me that an individual could not cut it, I felt I was doing him an enormous favor by turning him loose. As in all facets of personal relationships I believe that honesty, logic, and love are the principle ingredients. If my analysis is right, than this individual is better off pursuing another field, and I always tried to make appropriate recommendations if they were welcomed. I try never to give advice unless someone has asked for it, because for free advice, you’re charging exactly what it’s worth. Enough time has passed in my career activities that shows that people are better off for having come face to face with the truth. The act of saying we no longer want you to work for us, takes a lot of gravitas, but all concerned are better off.

HILLARY
I know that I did the right thing by firing these people. I just know how difficult it is to find a job, and how much these people were depending on their paychecks to make their lives work. Nobody should keep their jobs because someone feels too guilty to terminate them for doing a bad job, but it seems to me that every time I take a step forward in my life, whether it be my job, or my personal life, that I have to sacrifice something or someone to make it work better.

JACK
The truth is there is no free lunch, but you can certainly pay your share by performing with compassion and creativity. I am well aware of the needs of making a living, and therefore installed very liberal policies for termination and also tried to help by making suggestions and even recommendations. However, all bets are off when the reason for the termination is dishonesty or terminal stupidity - This, I just have to walk away from. Once more, the advantage of more than a half of a century’s business experience, gives me a track record with people who have done better for themselves by leaving the company. Of course, this does not apply to people with talent who become part of the organization.

HILLARY
In both cases at work, the people that I terminated were either thieves or simply unwilling to learn. I am confident that I made the best decision for my company, and I imagine it will ultimately be the best decision for all parties. I find it interesting, however, that this same issue comes up in my personal life, and that those people who are not interest in growth or change end up fading away from me.

JACK
I am always amazed by the truism that our business lives closely parallel our personal lives. You can’t be one person in the office, and an entirely other person at home. Relationships call for honesty and empathy. The greatness in art and literature is that master works are true reflections of life. Charles Dickens, when he created Scrooge created one universally nasty son-of-a-bitch, and he was nasty in all of his dealings. But the brilliance is in the story where Scrooge has a life changing experience and then he is changed across the board. You are a kind and caring person. You don’t do anything with hostility and rancor. As long as you follow your instincts you will not go wrong.

HILLARY
Thanks, Jack. I think this was a much better subject that then media frenzy over Anna Nicole Smith.

JACK
It is much more important because it speaks to the universal feelings that we sometimes keep hidden.

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