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Hire Slow Fire Fast
Leadership / Advice · Updated Apr 2026
Take your time hiring. Don't delay when it's not working.
Hire Slow
- A bad hire is more expensive than a vacant role.
- Invest in the process: multiple interviews, diverse perspectives, real assessments.
- Check for culture fit and values, not just skills.
- Don't lower the bar because you're desperate.
Fire Fast
- When someone isn't working out, waiting rarely makes it better.
- It's not fair to them, to the team, or to you.
- "Maybe they'll improve" is usually hope, not evidence.
- Address issues early and directly. If they don't change, act.
The Nuance
"Fire fast" doesn't mean impulsive. It means:
- Set clear expectations.
- Give honest, direct feedback.
- Provide a reasonable chance to improve.
- If it's not working, don't drag it out.
The Biggest Mistake
Keeping someone who isn't right because it's uncomfortable to let them go. Everyone else on the team already knows.
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