The Art of Firing
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Bosses throughout history have searched for the perfect way to deal with troublesome employees. Among the recent techniques:
* “We’ve Got a New Drummer.” Successfully used by the Beatles to replace tom-tom man Pete Best with Ringo Starr.
Disadvantages: Requires extreme caution. NBC tried similar strategy to oust “Today” show co-host Jane Pauley in favor of Deborah Norville, but ratings plunged. Norville even changed her first name to Ringo, but it was too late.
* Invasion. An effective management tool devised by Kremlin human resource specialists to counsel insubordinates in Hungary and Czechoslovakia in 1956 and 1968.
Disadvantages: Soviet army no longer available.
* “I Support Him 1,000%.” Shrewd reverse psychology technique enabled 1972 Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern to appear loyal as he dumped running mate Tom Eagleton following revelations that Eagleton had received electric-shock treatment for depression.
Disadvantages: At the polls in November, voters supported McGovern by a similar 1,000%. Also, Sargent Shriver a poor choice to replace Eagleton. Should’ve gone with Ringo.
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