If employers would follow this one simple rule--hire slow, fire fast--they would find their lives are much easier.

Unfortunately, most employers are so anxious to get a position filled, that they will take almost any warm body that walks through the door.  I was working with the board of directors for a small, non-profit organization that was recruiting for an executive director and were not having much luck.  One of the board members told me they wanted to hire Applicant X because she was pretty good and they could give her 6 months to see if she'd work out. Yikes!  Luckily, I was able to convince them to begin the search again.  During the second round of interviews we did indeed find the perfect candidate - that was 6 years ago, and he and the agency are thriving!

I don't want to imply that employees should be fired without the opportunity to improve their performance. There is a responsibility on your part to make sure that all employees have clearly defined (preferably in writing) performance expectations, that they have had the training necessary to do the job, and that they have all the tools and resources they need to do the job.

If, as an employer, you have provided all of that to your employee and they still are not working out, then you probably both know that it isn't working so take the steps to replace him or her. Because they are probably unhappy as well and should be allowed to find their perfect job - which is out there.

Before you start the hiring process, create a clear picture of the job you are filling, the minimum qualifications you want, and the performance expectations you are looking for.  If you have that clear picture, it makes it easier to find the right employee.