The reason you get the big corner office and the reason you can drive a Mercedes-Benz is because you have to make the tough decisions. You are the one who is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of your company. You set the tone, you provide the path to success or failure.
One of the worst tasks you’ll ever have as an executive is firing a manager. Managers are the link between you and the company’s employees. In many ways, they are your face to the rest of the company. You hate to see a manager underperform, because it directly reflects on you. If a manager isn’t able to perform, you’ve got to let them go. But, how do you know when it’s time?
There are five warning signs that it may be time to let a manager go:
- The manager fails to build trusting and positive relationships with employees.
- The manager doesn’t get things done, at least not the right things.
- The manager isn’t open to help or advice from anyone, including you.
- The manager is dishonest about how things are going in her department.
- The manager isn’t liked by anyone, whether it’s peers or employees.
These aren’t the only reasons you’ll ever need to fire a manager, but they are certainly among the most common.
