I've fired people before. In each instance, I've chosen to then tell other impacted team members what just happened and why I came to that decision. I've had exactly one chance to explain myself. Knowing that I only had that one chance, I've prepared for that moment. I've thought through what I was going to say and how. I've practiced. I've practiced again. Then, I've delivered the news. After doing so, I've never felt that I needed another opportunity to explain myself. And, I've never had anyone come up to me and say "Can you tell me again why you decided to fire so-and-so?"
What are the responsibilities of the Penn State Board of Trustees? I wondered that myself. Here's an excerpt from the Penn State web site regarding their specific responsibilities:
The authority for day-to-day management and control of the University, and the establishment of policies and procedures for the educational program and other operations of the University, shall be delegated to the President, and by him/her, either by delegation to or consultation with the faculty and the student body in accordance with a general directive of the Board.
This delegation of authority requires that the Board rely on the judgment and decisions of those who operate under its authority. However, this reliance of the Board must be based upon its continuing awareness of the operations of the University. Therefore, the Board shall receive and consider thorough and forthright reports on the affairs of the University by the President or those designated by the President. It has a continuing obligation to require information or answers on any University matter with which it is concerned.
Read that last sentence again. This Board of Trustees has serious credibility problems. They were aware of the Sandusky investigation. They can say that Spanier was at fault for not fully divulging what he knew about the investigation to them. They can say that Paterno was at fault for failing to notify anyone other than his boss. But, it was the Board's responsibility to do more, as well.
I wish they would all just go away.
P.S. If you haven't read the Board's statement from today, you should. Their characterization of the phone call with Paterno fully demonstrates the Board's level of incompetence. You'll remember that, rather than fire Joe Paterno in person, the Board chose to send a messenger to him, telling him to call a phone number at a pre-ordeained time. Take a look at the Board's explanation of what happened next:
When the coach called, the Board member who received the call planned to tell him that (1) the Board had decided unanimously to remove him as coach; (2) the Board regretted having to deliver the message over the telephone; and (3) his employment contract would continue, including all financial benefits and his continued status as a tenured faculty member. However, after this Board member communicated the first message, Coach Paterno ended the call, so the second and third messages could not be delivered.
Are you kidding me? Are they surprised he hung up on them? What was he supposed to do, stay on and say "Before I go to bed, what else have you got for me this evening?" How about re-ordering the sequence so that you start with #2, follow that with #3, and then end with #1? Could they really not figure that out? These people need help.
