"A mediocre employee in your group is more than one mediocre employee–he or she is a human multiplier-effect, to the downside. If you have even one mediocre employee, you have announced to the world that mediocrity is okay by you, while conceding that you are willing to slow the entire group for the sake of the worst employee. Thus, allowing that one person to stay is not being kind or generous; it's dangerous. It's dangerous for the individual, who knows that, at some level, he or she is doing second-rate work, and who you are locking into mediocrity, and it is dangerous for the group, which is slowed and distracted." –from (Great) Employees Only «Dauten will challenge every preconceived notion you have about making your career take off.» –Harvey Mackay, author of Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive «You'll rediscover the joy that's missing in your career, your coworkers, and yourself.» –Ken Elkins, former president and CEO, Pulitzer Broadcasting Company 

(Great) Employees Only. How Gifted Bosses Hire and De-Hire Their Way to Success