This morning I received a call from two different clients with very similar request.  They both had an employee who has been missing work and also having some performance problems.  One client I recommended termination and the other client I did not.  Why -- because the first client had done their homework.  They had counseled this employee verbally and written and had informed the individual what the consequences would be if the expectations were not met.  They have done everything correctly and are ready to move forward with the termination.

The second client has had no conversation with the person about their performance and the situation has continued to deteriorate to the point that the client has "had enough".  The problem is that the employee was never told that they were not meeting the expectations and not informed what the consequences would be if expectations were not met.  I've told them they need to slow down and do the right thing and start some progressive discipline.  This wasn't what they wanted to hear, but they also know it's the right thing to do.