How Do You Know When It Is Time To Fire Someone?

Let Me Speak To A Manager

#Business #Ian Mathews and Frank Cava #Frank Cava #Careers #MBA #Entrepreneur #Ian Mathewsp

52:22

Season 3 of the smash hit FX/Hulu show “The Bear” roared to life just days ago, but Will Poulter (the actor who plays fan-favorite Luca) and 2014 F&W Best New Chef Dave Beran had been prepping for weeks. Poulter — like his co-star Jeremy Allen White — staged with Beran at his Santa Monica restaurant Pasjoli to learn how to accurately portray a professional chef onscreen. The lessons went so well, Beran says he’d hire Poulter as a cook — even despite a messy mishap with a pastry bag. The two dished all about getting kitchen culture right on and offscreen, what it takes to be at the top of your craft, and the pure magic of a great restaurant service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

2 years ago 54:07

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Most new managers try to "fix" every poor performer. This is part ego and part naivety that everyone can be "fixed." But these employees suck up your time as a manager and keep you from spending time with your best performers. And when these managers are finally forced to fire their first employee, they rarely look back and think it was too fast.

So how do you know when it is time to cut someone loose? We dive into this topic using our personal experiences as managers and executives.

149 episodes

Let Me Speak To A Manager

How Do You Know When It Is Time To Fire Someone?

Let Me Speak To A Manager

published 2 years ago

MP3•Episode home

So how do you know when it is time to cut someone loose? We dive into this topic using our personal experiences as managers and executives.

149 episodes

#Business #Ian Mathews and Frank Cava #Frank Cava #Careers #MBA #Entrepreneur #Ian Mathewsp

All episodes

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
What Big Businesses Can Learn From Startups: A Lesson From "Banana Ball" 54:41

7 hours ago54:41

54:41

Frank and Ian explore the themes of rule-breaking and innovation in business, particularly through the lens of technology and customer engagement. They discuss the importance of staying relevant in a rapidly changing world, using the example of the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team that has successfully reinvented the game to attract a new audience. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Major League Baseball in adapting to modern viewer preferences and the lessons that can be learned from smaller, more agile companies. In this conversation, Ian Mathews and Frank Cava explore the evolving landscape of sports viewership, the rise of soccer in America, and the importance of innovation in business. They discuss the challenges faced by traditional sports leagues like MLB, the impact of learned helplessness in organizations, and the necessity of being dynamic in response to market changes. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between maintaining core values and adapting to new trends, using examples from various industries to illustrate their points. Chapters 03:05 Staying Relevant in a Changing World 05:56 Innovations in Baseball: The Savannah Bananas 08:54 Lessons from the Savannah Bananas 12:02 Learning from Competitors: The Importance of Humility 14:56 The Impact of Tradition on Major League Baseball 17:52 Major League Baseball's Adaptation and Innovations 28:09 The Evolution of Sports Viewership 30:05 Soccer's Rise and the Importance of Game Duration 32:28 Innovation vs. Tradition in Sports 35:16 The Dangers of 'Not Invented Here' Syndrome 39:01 Overcoming Learned Helplessness in Organizations 40:11 The Importance of Dynamism in Business 44:48 Adapting to Market Changes 52:50 Finding Dynamic Solutions in a Static Environment…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
Why Interest Rates Won't Save The Real Estate Market This Time 52:48

7 days ago52:48

52:48

In this conversation, Ian Mathews and Frank Cava discuss the current state of the real estate market, focusing on the impact of rising interest rates, builder strategies, and buyer psychology. They explore market trends, the challenges faced by builders, and the importance of adapting to changing conditions. The discussion also touches on government policies affecting housing affordability and investment strategies for navigating the evolving landscape. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for flexibility and a proactive approach in the real estate industry. Chapters 00:00 The Current State of Real Estate 03:04 Builder Trends and Market Dynamics 06:15 Interest Rates and Market Psychology 09:01 The Impact of Market Sentiment 12:06 Navigating the Real Estate Landscape 14:42 Future Predictions and Market Adjustments 26:28 The Challenges of Young Buyers in Real Estate 27:04 The Rise of Accidental Landlords 29:09 Current Inventory Trends and Market Dynamics 30:26 The Shortage of New Construction 31:55 Lessons from Past Market Downturns 36:22 Government Initiatives for Housing Affordability 38:23 Navigating Regulations and Market Changes 41:37 Embracing the Reality of High Interest Rates 45:17 Strategies for Real Estate Success in a Tough Market…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
The Motley Crue Mindset: Why You Should Lean Into Your Darkest Moments 43:30

14 days ago43:30

43:30

Summary In this conversation, Ian and Frank explore various themes surrounding resilience, trauma, and success, using the song 'Kickstart My Heart' by Motley Crue as a focal point. They discuss the importance of personal stories in business, the role of trauma in shaping successful individuals, and the necessity of reinvention in a constantly changing market. The dialogue is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful reflections on the entrepreneurial journey, making it relatable and inspiring for listeners. Chapters 04:27 Kickstart My Heart: The Story Behind the Song 07:19 Resilience and Adversity: Lessons from Trauma 12:40 The Impact of Trauma on Success 18:38 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Freedom 20:10 Multiple Strategies for Success 21:02 The Power of Personal Connection in Business 22:53 The Importance of Belief in Your Product 24:52 Collaboration and Team Dynamics 27:23 Embracing Vulnerability and Open Communication 31:25 Reinvention and Staying Relevant 35:40 Chasing Goals and Overcoming Doubt SHOW NOTES: "Necessity is the mother of invention." ~Plato "Necessity is the mother of skills." ~Frank Cava…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
Our Final Weekend With Warren Buffett In Omaha 1:34:02

21 days ago1:34:02

1:34:02

With the recent news that Warren Buffett is stepping down as CEO, Frank and Ian recount their last trip to see the Oracle of Omaha.

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
5 Career-Killing Mistakes of Shedeur Sanders: How You Can Avoid Overplaying Your Hand 43:34

28 days ago43:34

43:34

Ian and Frank explore themes of expectation versus reality, the impact of arrogance in applying for a position, and the importance of humility in both sports and business. The discussion highlights the lessons that can be learned from Sanders' experience during the 2025 NFL Draft process. Chapters 03:28 Shadour Sanders: The Legacy of a Star 06:35 The Impact of NIL and College Football Dynamics 09:25 The Draft Process: Surprises and Speculations 12:14 The Shock of Falling Draft Stock 15:22 Arrogance and Expectations: The Sanders Approach 21:35 Comparing Legacies: Deion vs. Shadour Sanders 23:44 Navigating the Hiring Process 25:10 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Management 27:19 The Dangers of Overconfidence 29:39 Learning from Mistakes and Seeking the Right Advice 32:04 The Role of Humility in Career Success 35:03 Transforming Failures into Opportunities 37:39 The Path to Redemption and Growth…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
How We Landed Shaq For A Celebrity Endorsement 1:00:24

5 weeks ago1:00:24

1:00:24

In this episode, Ian recounts the incredible journey of how his startup, Keep Technologies, secured an endorsement with Shaquille O'Neal. They discuss the preparation leading up to the meeting, the unexpected FaceTime call from Shaq, and the successful product demo that followed. The episode highlights the importance of networking, the excitement of having a celebrity endorsement, and the lessons learned throughout the process. Ultimately, it’s a story of perseverance, strategic risk-taking, and the potential for success in the entrepreneurial world. *This episode was recorded in October of 2023, following a day spent recording a commercial with Shaquille O'Neal. We waited to release the episode to coincide with the advertising campaign.…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
Why do people do the opposite when given advice? The psychology of reactance 59:06

6 weeks ago59:06

59:06

Ian Mathews and Frank Cava explore the psychological concept of reactance, the human need for autonomy, and why giving advice as a manager often backfires. The conversation also touches on marketing failures, such as the Tide Pods incident, and the balance between being a maverick and adhering to societal norms. They discuss the Socratic method as a powerful tool for managers to engage employees during performance appraisals and emphasize the importance of situational leadership in adapting management styles to individual team members. The conversation highlights the need for managers to be aware of their team's dynamics and to use questioning techniques to foster growth and accountability. Chapters 03:13 The Human Condition of Rebellion 06:12 Cultural Reflections: The Breakfast Club 09:14 Understanding Authority and Rebellion 12:10 Psychological Insights: Reactance and Human Needs 14:56 Case Studies: Tide Pods and Marketing Failures 18:08 Mavericks in Society: Balancing Rules and Freedom 28:00 Understanding Reactance in Management 31:59 The Florida Truth Campaign: A Case Study 34:57 The Socratic Method in Management 47:04 Performance Appraisals: A New Approach 55:48 Situational Leadership and Adaptability…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
The Ben Franklin Effect: How to win anyone over (even your biggest enemies) 47:17

7 weeks ago47:17

47:17

Show Notes: "Nut-cutting time" is when extreme, drastic, or decisive action is required; a period, usually near the end of an endeavor, when pressure to succeed is most intense; crunch time. Summary In this conversation, Frank Cava and Ian Mathews explore the dynamics of asking for favors and the psychological principles behind it, particularly the Ben Franklin effect. They discuss how small requests can build relationships, influence, and trust in both personal and professional settings. The conversation highlights the importance of gratitude, follow-up, and genuine communication in fostering connections and achieving success. Takeaways Asking for favors can strengthen relationships. The Ben Franklin effect shows that doing favors increases likability. Small requests can lead to significant influence. Gratitude and follow-up are crucial in favor exchanges. Handwritten notes can make a lasting impression. Social media can amplify the impact of asking for favors. Building influence requires strategic relationship management. Genuine communication fosters trust and collaboration. Navigating professional relationships involves mutual respect. The power of asking for advice can lead to unexpected opportunities. Chapters 00:00 The Godfather: A Family Tradition 19:36 The Ben Franklin Effect in Relationships 24:40 Lessons from Moneyball: Asking for Favors 29:34 Building Relationships Through Favors 34:10 The Power of Handwritten Notes 39:00 Empowering Others in Business 44:01 The Importance of Genuine Requests…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
How far will real estate prices fall in this recession? 48:41

8 weeks ago48:41

48:41

In this conversation, Ian Mathews and Frank Cava discuss the current state of the real estate and stock markets, exploring themes of investment strategies, market dynamics, and external economic factors. They reflect on personal experiences and insights gained from years in the industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding market trends and making informed decisions. The discussion also touches on the impact of interest rates, insurance costs, and the slow nature of real estate transactions, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current financial landscape. In this conversation, Ian Mathews and Frank Cava delve into the current state of investment strategies, particularly in real estate and the stock market. They discuss the importance of understanding market dynamics, the impact of FHA loans, and the divergence between luxury and affordable housing markets. The conversation also touches on Warren Buffett's strategic decisions and the significance of maintaining a strong cash position in uncertain economic times. Chapters 00:00 March Madness and Market Jitters 02:47 Navigating Real Estate and Stock Market Dynamics 05:51 Understanding Market Peaks and Trends 09:01 The Impact of External Factors on Real Estate 11:57 The Slow Nature of Real Estate Transactions 15:02 Metrics for Assessing Market Sentiment 17:55 Historical Context and Future Predictions 23:42 The Gamble of Investment Strategies 25:59 Market Dynamics: Winners and Losers 28:28 The Divergence in Housing Markets 32:05 Understanding FHA Loans and Their Impact 36:14 The Current State of the Housing Market 38:52 Warren Buffett's Strategic Moves 44:27 Cash Positioning in Uncertain Times SHOW NOTES: *Frank actually wrote this outline and put more than 3 minutes of preparation into the episode. If you see him on the street, make sure to offer some positive encouragement for his contributions.…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
Trump's Tariff Play: Genius Move or Reckless Mistake? 49:03

9 weeks ago49:03

49:03

Summary Ian and Frank analyze recent market reactions to tariff announcements, the historical context of tariffs in America, and the strategic use of tariffs in economic policy, particularly under the Trump administration. They discuss the strategic motivations behind Trump's policies, particularly in relation to China and economic adjustments. They explore the implications of tariffs, the challenges of national debt, and the potential pain associated with economic reforms. The discussion highlights the uncertainty in the market and the opportunities that arise during disruptive times, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic dynamics and preparing for future challenges. Chapters 00:00 The Story Behind Ben Stein's Role in Ferris Bueller's Day Off 04:15 Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact 08:38 Market Reactions to Recent Tariff Announcements 11:40 The Role of Tariffs in Economic Strategy 18:59 Historical Context of Tariffs in America 23:03 Trump's Strategy: A Game of Power 27:37 Economic Challenges and the Role of Debt 31:06 The Pain of Economic Adjustments 35:45 Navigating Tariffs and Market Disruptions 40:00 Opportunities Amidst Uncertainty…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
What is a Mastermind and why should you join one? 34:51

11 weeks ago34:51

34:51

Summary In this conversation, Ian Mathews and Frank Cava discuss the concept of masterminds, focusing on Frank's journey in creating his own mastermind group. They explore the importance of high-level conversations, the criteria for membership, and the strategies for marketing and customer acquisition. Frank shares insights on building a community of like-minded individuals and the value of curated discussions in fostering growth and learning. The conversation also touches on the challenges and successes of launching the first meeting of the mastermind, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in membership. Takeaways Masterminds provide a platform for high-level conversations. Building a community is essential for personal and professional growth. Criteria for membership should focus on greatness and compatibility. Marketing strategies should leverage existing relationships and networks. Creating value in meetings is crucial for member retention. Hiring the right team can enhance the quality of the mastermind. Slow growth with the right people is preferable to rapid expansion. Curated discussions lead to deeper learning and insights. Professional presentation can elevate the perceived value of events. The name and concept of the mastermind should resonate with its purpose.…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
Is this the end of working from home? Jamie Dimon's rant explained 44:24

12 weeks ago44:24

44:24

Summary In this episode of Let Me Speak to a Manager, Ian Mathews and Frank Cava discuss the importance of in-person work, the shift back to office culture, and the role of mentorship in the workplace. They explore the end of entitlement in work culture and the impact of AI on future job security. The conversation is filled with humor, rants, and insights into the evolving work landscape. Chapters: 00:00 The Return of the Podcast 03:25 Rants and Real Estate 06:25 The Importance of In-Person Work 12:25 Mentorship and Learning in the Office 19:23 Corporate Culture and Employee Expectations 22:43 Elon Musk's Remote Work Mandate 25:18 The Culture of Hard Work at Musk's Companies 27:42 Honesty in Company Culture 30:54 The End of Entitlement in the Workforce 33:20 The Shift Back to In-Office Work 35:08 The Reality of Remote Work 37:02 The Journey to Success 39:57 The Impenetrable CEO: Jamie Dimon 41:22 The Future of Work and AI…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
Why do we get bored so easily at work? (and what to do about it) 46:56

46 weeks ago46:56

46:56

Summary The conversation covers various topics, including deep-fried cheese sticks, preventing boredom, Granddad's birthday, the dog track, staying motivated, and the process of writing. The conversation explores the importance of setting goals and chasing after them to find fulfillment and avoid boredom. It emphasizes the need for a North Star goal and breaks it down into actionable steps. The hosts discuss the significance of motivation and how it can be sustained by constantly setting new challenges and finding new reasons to be excited. They also highlight the role of incentives and contests in driving innovation and engagement within a business. The conversation concludes with the idea that choosing something to chase is the key to happiness and personal growth. Chapters 00:00 The Adult Food on Children's Menus 02:38 Granddad's Dedication to the Dog Track 09:27 Finding New Rabbits to Chase 11:19 Staying Motivated: Setting New Goals 16:07 The Process of Writing: Falling in Love with the Grind 29:12 Motivation and Challenges 45:36 Choosing Something to Chase for Happiness and Personal Growth…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
How to change your manager's mind 51:10

48 weeks ago51:10

51:10

Summary In this conversation, Ian and Frank discuss the topic of changing your manager's mind. They share their personal experiences and insights on navigating the dynamics between managers and employees. They explore why managers often fall in love with their ideas and the challenges of convincing them otherwise. They also discuss the importance of trust, competence, and taking ownership in building a persuasive case. The conversation highlights the need to understand the manager's perspective and the impact of decisions on their roles and responsibilities. The conversation discusses five methods to change the mind of a manager. These methods include bringing new information to the table, explaining the unintended consequences, using facts and data, building a posse of supporters, and changing the environment. The hosts provide examples and insights on how to implement these methods effectively. They emphasize the importance of removing ego and being open-minded to new ideas. The conversation also highlights the significance of storytelling, seeking feedback, and maintaining conviction when persuading a manager. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences 03:02 Managers Falling in Love with Their Own Ideas 06:09 Taking Ownership and Making a Big Impact 08:07 Managers Making Decisions for Frontline Employees 13:20 The Role of Trust and Fear in Persuasion 21:18 Proving Competence and Taking on More Responsibility 23:14 Good Managers Harnessing and Empowering Employees 23:32 Bringing New Information 26:51 Explaining Unintended Consequences 30:08 Using Facts and Data 37:08 Building a Posse 44:42 Changing the Environment…

Let Me Speak To A Manager

1
How Did Burnout Become Normal? (And How To Push Back) 51:13

1 year ago51:13