We recently had to fire our highly popular head of sales because they refused to align with our core values, but now the sales team is in revolt and the leadership team is questioning my judgment. How do we rebuild trust and stabilize the organization?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Firing a popular leader who fails to align with your core values is a critical test of your leadership. While it may trigger short-term anxiety, it is the only way to protect your long-term culture and exit value.

To stabilize the organization, you must communicate immediately and transparently, adhering to the Trust pillar of Our Charter. Do not hide behind human resources jargon or allow rumors to spread.

Gather your leadership team and explain the decision clearly. Emphasize that while the individual had strong performance, living by your Core Values is non-negotiable for everyone, especially those on the leadership team.

Next, meet with the affected department. Reassure them of their security and refocus them on their weekly Scorecard metrics. This keeps them grounded in their daily work rather than worrying about leadership drama.

Rebuild momentum by executing your plan. Review your V/TO and ensure that everyone is focused on their quarterly Rocks. Use the Accountability Chart to quickly fill the open seat with someone who has the right skills and truly GWC's the role. Your team will respect you more when they see that you value your culture over short-term performance.