David, great piece. In my first management gig, I realized everyone wasn't going to like working with me. So I chose to make an environment preferred by people who weren't afraid to make a great contribution.  It's not fair to hard workers to pay slackers the same. It's not fair to people who invest personal energy and work to improve when you also make them pick up the persistent slack of others who don't strive for the same level.  So for me, the choice was who would benefit. Once that decision was made, the others became easier, including who to ask to leave. I've had to invite several people to find a place they loved.  I've even helped them.  I simply work from the idea that when they find the place they love, they'll be happier and work better too.

Great post! Thanks.