Measure Twice...Cut Once

The old carpentry addage, Measure Twice, Cut Once is something I was painfully reminded of a couple of years ago when I did some remodeling on my home. I replaced all of the baseboards, carpet, a couple of doors and door frames, stair banisters (I didn't do these...way beyond my skill, but I did sand and finish them), and painted. On more than one occasion I found myself scrapping a large piece of baseboard because I cut in haste. It only takes a couple of mistakes before you learn that the time it takes to measure twice is much less than the time and expense it takes to purchase new baseboard at Home Depot. Measure twice, cut once; such a simple concept, regularly ignored in today's society of speed and efficiency.

This week I was again taught a lesson in the art of Measure Twice, Cut Once. Unfortunately, the company I work for had to terminate some people's employment this week. Our process consisted of reviewing every department member's performance in a variety of work accountabilities. Parts of the review were quantitative, some qualitative, some historical. Like good carpenters, we measured twice in hopes to cut once. We went about the process of gathering this information from various sources. It was comforting to see 100% consistency and agreement in the information we gathered and in the tough decisions that were made among these employees' managers. We used this information to look at each team member and determine who was not a fit moving forward. Each manager "measured" their people and the information was compiled to determine who would be let go. It was a very difficult process, as it is anytime you make decisions that affect people's lives.

Like carpentry, the work of terminating people's employment is labor intensive, fraught with slivers, cuts and bruises, and at times the danger of real injury. In the end you hope the work you have put in will yield a finished "product" that exceeds your expectations, expense, and pain. Also like carpentry, if you don't do regular repairs, and the occasional remodel, your house can get rundown and lose a tremendous amount of value. It is difficult to ever really feel "good" about decisions such as these. I do feel good decisions were made, and that our company will be better off in the long-run. We determined that if we didn't affect 5 people's lives, it could eventually affect everyone's lives. My hope is that these tough decisions will send a clear message that we need people who are committed, intelligent, and who can grow and stay relevant. We have a great workforce, and I want it to continue to positively progress.

My well wishes to those who lost their jobs this week. I hope they all find the perfect jobs and that they will all be wildly successful.