Comment by whycombagator | Hacker News Reader

Comment by whycombagator | Hacker News Reader

> It is practically impossible to fire someone for the basic reason that you don't need this role any more or there is a better person out there or just plain old - you are not doing a great job. This neuters managers and does not lead to great teams, driven by mission, pushing each other to do better.

> I was the weirdo who wanted to push things fast and expected that some level of personal sacrifice when needed. I don't believe long hours are a badge of honor but I also believe that we have to do whatever it takes to win, even if its on a weekend.

> So, why did I leave?

> I did not leave in a confrontational disagreement (which is what anyone who knows me thought would happen, as I have a short fuse...)

From Twitter:

> Noam Bardin, former Waze CEO (2009-21)

He’s clearly a smart guy and I don’t disagree with all his points, but in general it’s sad that there are CEOs/managers out there with short fuses that want to fire old people. Also he wants personal sacrifice & things delivered no matter what. I understand the viewpoint but would likely despise it as an employee.

That sentence is very poorly written and I also read it wrong the first time, but he’s not advocating to fire old people. He’s saying the “plain old” reason for firing people, “you are not doing a great job.”

This is Noam Bardin - I, obviously, don't agree with you. Age has nothing to do with anything (we were all 40 year olds when we started Waze). Its about skills and attitude. Not everyone is right for every role as things change. Employees leave companies because they hate their boss or team, not because of compensation or free food. Having the wrong people on a team can be lethal. I updated the post to try and clarify that its not about age - thanks for pointing it out

I was thinking the exact same, obviously a very smart guy but damn I don't really agree/align with most of what he expressed.

He didn't say he wanted to fire old people, "plain old - you are not doing a great job" is just a colloquialism and can be replaced with the word "standard reason" or something similar.

This is probably how he got in trouble for some of the HR things he mentioned, where he says a word and people take it like you did and report him.

I didn’t read it as firing old people, but rather firing people for the plain old reason that they’re not doing a good job.

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