VICKI,

you are NOT a marshmellow!!!!!!!!! you, unlike most, have a heart!!!!!

when i was a general manager for a restaurant, i had to fire people ALL of the time. i hated it. the owner wouldn't do it. so, i developed a "routine". i never flew off the handle and yelled CLOCK OUT!!!!! during a shift, unless they were Drunk or "cracked up" and many times i knew they were single mothers and i really liked them. BOTTOM LINE, they were not doing their job and had'nt been for some time.

after their shift, i called them into my office. told them the POSITIVE things they had done, and sometimes i REALLY had to dig ( lol), then i would say" this is hard for me, but i feel it is time that you and the restaurant part ways. i have made the decision after much thought, and my decision is final. you are a good person, but are not cut out for this business. it's hard work, and long hours, i understand". i will give you a nice personal reference, and i wish you nothing but the best".

this usually did the trick. vicki, most people KNOW when they aren't performing to standard and will get away with it for as LONG AS YOU LET THEM!!!!!!! yeah, i had a few rough ones who didn't want to let go, but they were few and far between. with this approach, you are treating them with dignity, while remaining steadfast in your decision, and that's the best you can do.

my best

kim

been there done it

p.s: once i fired my cousin's wife.

Vicki,

Sometimes getting fired is the best thing that can happen to a person. They might not think so at first but it often works out that way. She may get her head out of the clouds and apply herself to the next job or seriously apply herself to trying to be a stand - up comedian and get that out of her system and/or fool everyone and actually make it. You hear stars say that all the time---that getting fired was a turning point in their lives. So, don't feel responsible or bad for doing what you have to do. Six months is long enough!!!!!

Jean

P.S. So if you get a new employee, does that mean I might get my plaque someday?

Oh Jean - if I can keep an employee that will actually work!!!!

Our head engraver left today to "find himself" - he want's to join a commune in New Mexico!!! I'm going to have to learn how to engrave again - and I suck at fractions - crap, I have trouble telling time unless it's digital!!!

I couldn't fire Amy today because she had "appointments" with "clients" all day, (although I've told her more than once they aren't a "client" until they buy something!!!!)

Don't worry - you'll get your plaque and it'll be nice - (ask Cinder!) - sorry I can only "donate" once a quarter but, I'll make sure they all go out this week! And I'll send tracking numbers!

And I'm really not whining but - Does anyone under 30 know how to work anymore!!!???

~V