Ask HN: What's it like to fire someone at a startup?

Re:Ask HN: What's it like to fire someone at a startup? by brewgardn on Thursday April 04, 2013 @11:41PM (#5496667)

What about the current mantras of "fire fast", and "culture fit" as the most important quality of an employee. It seems like that doesn't lend itself to working through problems in a deliberate way or taking much responsibilty for the hiring process. To me, honestly, it sounds like throw a bunch of shit at the wall as fast you can as see what sticks.

Trendy bullshit advice or truth to it?

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Re:Ask HN: What's it like to fire someone at a startup? by __ingrid__ on Friday April 05, 2013 @01:50AM (#5496979)

I think you are misinterpreting that advice. I have always heard the full saying as "hire slow, fire fast" and if you are seeking to build a good culture, you probably want to keep turnover reasonable low. Seeing many people come and go will wear on the people you chose to keep, and it will be counter productive to building a good culture. Obviously good is a bit subjective when it comes to "culture" but I assume you are aiming at least for an environment where people are somewhat happy and strive to be productive.

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Re:Ask HN: What's it like to fire someone at a startup? by argonaut on Friday April 05, 2013 @07:16PM (#5501641)

How is that inconsistent with any of my advice? The fastest way to get someone out the door cleanly is to offer a generous severance package.

Culture fit is something you should have selected against when hiring them in the first place.

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