The Power of Oxygen 1st
When my son was little, I was a single mom who was doing it all alone. I was putting everyone else first and my own needs last. To everyone around me, I was successful but little did they know that my success was tied to pushing, stressing, sleepless nights and early morning workouts pushing my body and my limits to the extreme. Until one day I was flying alone and nearly crashed an airplane and I realized that I needed to take care of my own needs first before anyone else. You see, when you’re a pilot, if you have any issues in the plane, you put on your oxygen mask 1st, not your passengers. They need you to land the plane.
This podcast is all about this journey to healing, to getting clear on the desires of your heart… and stepping into them with courage while leaning into, asking for and receiving support. I hope you feel inspired to do less, to follow your passions and infuse them into your daily life and truly claim the life you were meant to live: a life filled to the brim with epic ADVENTURE.
The Power of Oxygen 1st
Ep 118: Should You Fire Them? The Grow or Go Framework for Difficult Employee Conversations
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One of the questions I hear most often from leaders is, "Should I fire them?"
After more than 20 years in HR and leadership, I've learned that most leaders don't actually have a termination problem—they have a clarity problem.
In this episode, I'm sharing a real conversation I recently had with a CEO who thought she was ready to let go of a senior executive. She was exhausted, frustrated, and carrying the weight of a decision that had been keeping her up at night.
But as we talked, we realized something important: this wasn't just about performance. It was about fit.
Sometimes people aren't failing because they're incapable. They're struggling because they're sitting in the wrong seat. And when we avoid addressing that truth, everyone feels it—the leader, the employee, the team, and the entire organization.
That's exactly why I created my Grow or Go Framework.
I believe difficult conversations can be handled with both compassion and accountability. I call it the "velvet hammer" approach: leading with heart while still holding clear expectations and boundaries.
Because leadership isn't about avoiding hard conversations. It's about having them with courage, kindness, and honesty.
In This Episode:
- Why most leaders struggle with certainty—not termination
- How to tell the difference between a performance issue and a fit issue
- The hidden cost of avoiding difficult conversations
- Why the right conversation can create clarity for everyone involved
- How to lead with both compassion and accountability
- What my Grow or Go Framework looks like in practice
- How to create a path forward that honors both the employee and the organization
Grow or Go Framework: https://www.dotrockconsulting.com/fire-with-grace
Ready to Breathe Easier?
Whether you’re navigating a difficult people decision, feeling buried in work that drains your energy, or ready to build support that actually fits.
Start With Oxygen 1st
https://www.dotrockconsulting.com/contact
You’ll be guided to the right next step — without pressure, urgency, or overwhelm.
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Remember: your energy is your greatest asset. Protect it, invest in it, and always put your oxygen mask on first.
