Andreas Roettl, CEO of tech firm Journi, recently stirred up a hornet’s nest on LinkedIn with a bold statement: firing employees is just as essential as hiring them. He went so far as to declare that firing, when done effectively, can actually contribute to a team’s happiness and strength.
In his post, Roettl emphasized the importance of equipping managers with the skills and tools needed to navigate the difficult process of terminating employees. He explained that Journi provides training to team leaders, teaching them how to conduct terminations effectively and sensitively. He also highlighted the importance of proactive measures like regular performance reviews, early warning systems, and development opportunities to prevent the need for firing in the first place.
Roettl’s initial post, which began with the attention-grabbing line “I’m really good at firing people… says no one ever. But we should!,” quickly went viral, drawing a mixture of positive and negative reactions. Some users praised his frankness and the importance of addressing the often-avoided topic of termination. Others expressed concern about the potential negative impact on Journi’s reputation and its ability to attract top talent.
Following the backlash, Roettl took to LinkedIn again, acknowledging that his initial statement was provocative and that he had intended to spark conversation. He expressed regret for any hurt feelings and reiterated his commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for Journi employees. The CEO’s controversial post underscores the delicate balance between the need to address underperformance within an organization and the importance of maintaining a positive and ethical workplace culture. It raises questions about the role of leadership in navigating these difficult situations and the impact of public pronouncements on a company’s image and reputation.
