Something that has been driven home for me over the past year:

It's important to expect the people you work with to rise to your level

When they don't, you have to let them know they are letting you down

Be firm and precise as to why

Then, give them time to correct.

If they can't level up, with ample feedback and time, then you have to part ways

It sounds harsh, but it's actually far kinder than the opposite...

I have always felt grateful to have smart people working with me

I still remember doing everything on my own in the early days, so it feels like a huge privilege.

As it is.

But, like a romantic relationship where I didn't value myself, I would tolerate massive screw ups...

Worse, I wouldn't give feedback and tell the person they were letting me down.

I would just deal with it by augmenting the team or sidelining the person.

Always with a smile

I couldn't take the awkwardness. I felt guilty.

They were a good person, trying their best, etc...

But this is actually insanely cruel.

People FEEL they are letting you down.

They know it in their gut

And they need feedback to get better...

Firm, sometimes even harsh feedback is the only way someone can grow

Otherwise, it's like staying in a relationship with somebody you don't love

You aren't doing them any favours....

Do the hard thing.

Give the feedback.

Part ways if it's not working.

"Easy choices, hard life.

Hard choices, easy life."

–Jerzy Gregoric