Lack of Fit

Given the Boot!  (Public Domain)

Relatively few employees are fired by U. S. presidents or on national TV.  For most it is a hushed affair, punctuated by slippery phrases such as “lack of fit.”

"Lack of fit" does not mean "unfit."  It simply means that an employee’s skill set and/or personality does not align well with the company’s mission and/or culture.  This could actually be good news if the company is not ethically sound.

Robert, a social worker, is particularly concerned with human rights.  He works at an institution that places profit over people.  Knowing that his job might be in jeopardy, he nevertheless goes to bat for those caught within the corporate clutches.

Although an excellent counselor, Robert is soon called into the front office.  He is warned about “lack of fit,” which is boss-speak for “you’re causing too much friction here.”  Write-ups are placed within his HR file.

Pretty soon, it’s out the door.  “Lack of fit” becomes the “magic potion for dismissal,” simply because its subjectivity is hard to dispute.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/3-phrases-bosses-use-when-they-want-to-fire-you/ar-AAzQpLv?li=BBnbfcN&ocid=BHEA000

Copyright July 11, 2018 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved