I hate firing people. Hate it more than losing races. I’ve had to do it a few times recently — and even after decades, it doesn’t get easier. One guy had the skill, but terrible habits. Another was a great personality but couldn’t deliver the work.

Both cases taught me the same thing: I waited too long.

You want to believe people can turn it around. But leadership is about making calls no one else wants to. If your shop’s going to run right — if your team’s going to perform — you can’t keep passengers in the driver’s seat. Sometimes, the hardest calls are the right ones.