[Smudge]

> How are we best utilizing our in-house talent?

This question definitely captures more of the nuance that I felt was naggingly lacking in the original post. It's easy to justify firing someone in very black and white terms, but it's a lot harder to take such an employee and turn them into a valuable member of the team again, even though that might be the best outcome. Not saying it can always be done -- I've seen managers try for too long and fail, but I've also seen managers start making cuts at the first sign of trouble.

[Riod]

Agreed. Being formerly in the military I find it quite interesting to note how little self examination managers in the private sector place themselves under. Sad to say poor management is the rule rather than the exception.