Why do people get fired?

When it is “You” – and not the company.

By Monster Contributor

By Karin Eldor
Monster Contributing Writer

It’s never fun to get fired – it can damage your confidence and send you in a state of shock. But it can also be a blessing in disguise. You might learn some things about yourself – or simply that the job in question was not for you.

Whatever the reasons why you get the pink slip – it’s better to recognize them so you can work on yourself and make sure the next job is a smashing success.

So you know the whole “it’s not you, it’s me” spiel that people tend to use when breaking up with someone, or in this case, firing an employee? There are times when letting an employee go has nothing to do with a company’s performance, but rather has everything to do with the employee itself.

Let’s turn the lens and examine the Top 11 reasons why it might indeed be you:

1) You’re just not a right fit:

Hiring employees based on skills can be as important as hiring based on fit. And when the wrong fit is ignored or goes unnoticed during the interview process it could be detrimental to the company – and eventually to the person who doesn’t fit the mold. Many of today’s companies are transparent about their corporate values to avoid having this issue in the first place, but of course it still happens.

And if you feel like you don’t fit in, it can ultimately be a bad feeling.

2) You’re paranoid:

When you sense that you’re not the right fit for a company’s corporate culture, it can easily lead to paranoia. One of the symptoms or consequences of “poor fit” is regular disagreements with teammates and upper management due to culture clash: this can be detrimental to your performance, confidence and day-to-day state of mind at work. And here’s where paranoia rears its ugly head: since you feel like several coworkers dislike or target you, it clearly explains those computer files that have suddenly gone missing. Or does it?

Get it together: there’s no room for paranoia and conspiracy theories in business.

3) You have a bad attitude:

A rotten attitude can be a deal breaker in many companies, even for a star performer. Everything from not being a team player to badmouthing others -- and worse, the company -- can make for a toxic environment that many employers won’t stand for. Not only are negative people bad for team morale, but it’s important to recognize where it’s coming from as it can be highly contagious and spread among the whole department.

4) You simply can’t “connect the dots”:

It can be due to several projects that don’t make sense, a case of mismanagement from the top or even bad timing on your part (maybe there’s stuff going on in your personal life and you find it challenging to focus at work). Whatever the situation, trouble connecting the dots in terms of projects and deadlines is a big problem – and upper management and coworkers are likely going to notice it too. Not being able to foresee issues in a given project or not anticipating certain results are prime examples of failure to connect the dots in project management.

Which is the perfect lead-in to…

5) You’re not productive:

Failure to connect the dots can lead to inefficiencies in everyone’s day-to-day. Low productivity – especially if it’s considered “the norm” for you – can start costing the company time and money, by virtue of missing deadlines and creating a backlog in workflow. Knowing this is happening can lead you to doubt yourself, which can cause you to feel…

6) You’re constantly miserable and/or stressed:

Occasional stress from time to time is completely normal, but it should be under control most of the time. If you feel as though you’re the cause of missed deadlines and that things are spinning out of control on the daily, it will start to impact you – no question. Whatever the reason for your unhappiness at work, others will likely start to notice your perma-frown. And the truth is, if you’re unhappy every day at the office, then you’re likely not in the right job and should be set free to find something better to excel at.

7) You’re merely a “six”:

You may be getting the job done, but are the results merely okay? Yes it’s nice to finish projects, but if the results are just above par – you know, basically average, not “wow!” and amazing – then your performance might start to underwhelm. This is especially true when referring to a smaller and leaner company, where every employee is required to take on a stronger leadership role and step up to the plate more. At the end of the day, would you want a “6” flying your plane or operating on you, as opposed to a “10”? Didn't think so.

8) You bring baggage to the office:

I’m referring to emotional laundry here – personal problems and concerns that can hinder one’s day-to-day performance. Everyone has their personal issues to deal with, but it’s coping with these and putting them at the back of your mind once you walk into the office that separates the superstars from the rest.

9) You’re a slacker:

Those who don’t show dedication on the job will likely pay the price – by either being constantly passed up for promotions or by eventually being shown the door. You know them well: they always take extended lunches, are consistently late for work and are the first to leave at quitting time. Today, physical time spent in the office and actual “facetime” doesn't necessarily equate hard work (since many people have flex time and work from home). It's really all in the attitude. If you’re never getting your work done and always passing it off to other people to complete, then it might soon be firing time.

10) You’re misusing company property and/or email:

At the end of the day, anything that compromises company property (i.e. laptops, tablets, email) can compromise your job. For example, if you’re using your laptop or tablet for personal reasons every night (you know, downloading your favourite TV shows and movies on “free TV websites” – and perhaps some viruses at the same time), it’s a poor reflection on you. Be wary of using company property, even your business email account, as at the end of the day, it belongs to the company.

11) You have a substance abuse / drinking problem

Forget about actual drinking on the job – that’s a whole other extreme. We’re not in the Mad Men era, people! If you’re consistently showing up to work with a hangover and bleary-eyed, you need to realize that people will take notice – and fast.

So, it’s you

Whatever the reason you got fired – or feel that your job might be on the line – now’s your chance to take the reigns and turn it around while you can. And if you’re simply not happy at your job, then find a place where you will be your very best – you owe it to yourself!

Maybe it is time to find better!