Hire Slow, Fire Fast – Part 4: Spot Trouble Early (and Step In Before It's Too Late)

You’ve hired thoughtfully.You’ve set clear expectations.You’ve built a purposeful training plan.

But even when you do everything right, people problems can still arise.

Here’s the truth no one likes to talk about:👉 Sometimes the wheels start wobbling before they fall off.

The key to retention and performance isn’t just about hiring right — it’s about spotting trouble early and doing something about it before it turns into a crisis.

Here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve:

1. Watch for Early Warning Signs

Trouble rarely shows up all at once. It usually starts small:

• Missed deadlines—or just barely making them

• Growing gaps between commitments and follow-through

• Changes in attitude, energy, or engagement

• Team tension, miscommunication, or avoidant behavior

None of these alone mean you’ve made a bad hire.But they do mean it’s time to lean in — not look away.

 

2. Shift from “Gotcha” to “Get Help”

The worst thing you can do? Wait until frustration builds — and react emotionally.The second worst thing? Pretend nothing’s wrong.

Instead, take an early intervention mindset:

• Schedule a quick 1:1: “I’m noticing [X]. Can we talk about what’s going on?”

• Revisit the Success Profile and expectations you set during onboarding.

• Assume good intent — but insist on clarity and accountability.

• Listen more than you talk. Look for gaps, obstacles, or misunderstandings.

Your job isn’t just to manage performance — it’s to support success.

3. Don't Ignore Fit Issues

Skills can be coached.Processes can be trained.

But if you’re seeing deeper fit issues — like values misalignment, unwillingness to learn, or repeated friction with the team — it’s time to get serious.

People problems don’t fix themselves.They either get addressed — or they grow.

If you're seeing:

• Consistent misalignment with core values

• Resistance to feedback or change

• "Energy drains" that affect the team’s performance

…it’s time to make the hard call: Right bus? Right seat? Right person?

 

Final Thought: Call in the Experts When You Need Backup

If you’re experiencing:

• People problems that seem to “come out of nowhere”

• Hemorrhaging talent without clear reasons

• Growing frustration that “people just aren't pulling their weight”

You don’t have a people problem.You have a systems problem.

And it’s fixable — if you act early, act intentionally, and (when needed) call in outside expertise to assess, realign, and rebuild.

 

Remember

It’s not about filling seats — it’s about getting the right people on the bus, in the right seats, at the right time.

You don’t have to solve it alone—We Can Help!