Cattāri Brahmavihārā

Had you asked me when I was fourteen what I would be doing in 20 years I would not have included business owner on my list. Nonetheless it has been my good fortune to run a pretty successful company with my partner and employee about 11 full time people. Sounds great doesn’t it? Well it is except for when things don’t go as planned and people disappoint or entirely fail you.

In the course of the last 8 years I think I have had to fire somewhere in the neighborhood of a dozen people. Each time has been hard and it simply doesn’t get any easier. In fact, each time I feel the need to let someone go it feels like I’m breaking up with my girlfriend.

To get to the point, what really is the skilfull way to deal with an employee who is simply not doing what you think they should? Of course, once you’ve arrived at the perception that they’re not performing adequately the rest of the story is a foregone conclusion isn’t it? I guess what I’m asking is how do we get to the point where we decide that a person’s work is not up to snuff irrespective of the myriad circumstances of their life? Yes, an employee may be tired, he or she may have had problems at home but there is aline to be drawn somewhere and I feel I am often too quick to draw it.

I’ve read a number of books on the issue but so far have not ever found I truly satisfying approach and I think much of this has to do with my own lack of time and attention with regard to some of my staff. I think the Sigalovada Sutta deserves another look and, before I waste any more of anyone’s precious time, I think I’ll put an end to my rambling here.