Fire Someone Today: And Other Surprising Tactics for Making Your Business a Success

by Bob Pritchett

A breakthrough for business owners and entrepreneurs of small to large businesses and companies looking to achieve more success. Whether you are a young company that's just starting out or a mature business looking to grow, business entrepreneur Bob Pritchett gives hands-on advice and practical examples that are a must-listen for every manager, business owner, and entrepreneur. You will not find Thirteen Incontrovertible Laws of Excellence. You won't find motivational clichés to frame and put on your desk. There are no step-by-step instructions for writing a business plan. In Fire Someone Today , you will Fire Someone Today is a book about what to do, what not to do, and why. For your business, it could be that one piece of advice that makes all the difference, and even give you a few laughs along the way. Diagrams are included in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

About the author

Bob Pritchett co-founded Faithlife Corporation (makers of Logos Bible Software) and serves as Executive Chairman. He is a 2005 winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, one of Glassdoor's Highest Rated CEOs 2015, and was included in the Puget Sound Business Journal's 40 Under 40. Bob lives with his wife Audra in Bellingham, Washington; they have two adult children.

Bob's latest book, Start Next Now: How to Get the Life You've Always Wanted was released in October, 2015.

Fire Someone Today, And Other Surprising Tactics for Making Your Business a Success, was released in April, 2006, and has been translated into Russian and Korean.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an interesting read, but sometimes the voice is too direct/borderline egotistical. It feels like a book focused more for founders than for managers, which may be intentional considering Bob founded a successful software business. But, some of the concepts aren't applicable to other leaders, which is a bummer.

[Vin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would give it zero stars if I could. Never have I read such an egotistical memoir of starting a software company using mommy and daddy's money

[Janelle]

I’m not rating this as I on,y read the sections that were relevant to me.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book about business! Don’t let the title scare you - it’s full of good business lessons!

[Jon-Micheal Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very focused on entrepreneurs but still some nuggets for the corporate manager.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t let the title throw you, this is an excellent book covering many issues leaders face. Enjoyed the pragmatic, sometimes irreverent, perspective on sensitive issues.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book by Bob Pritchett, founder of Logos Bible Software, a company which I have yet to convince to hire me. So why would I want to work for a guy that is so keen on firing people? The answer would be is that it is the best bible software/theological research system available, and their mission to aid people in their study of the Bible and resource pastors is something I can get behind.

Actually, I think the title is more to be catchy than anything. Pritchett's first chapter is basically making the same point as Jim Collin's axiom, 'Get the wrong people off the bus.' His main point is to help small business leaders lead well, and manage their organization well. He offers some helpful advice along the way. It is practical and finds its basis in the steps and misteps Pritchett has taken in leading his organization.

[Tigran Mamikonian · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read recommended by my Harvard professor Jim Stein Sharpe. The announcement was so cool that I couldn't stand and read the book at almost one sitting.
To summarize -this book is the quite good summary of hints/lessons of experienced entrepreneur.
For me most valuable peace of advice was to get press into the business both early and with caution. Here he says that if you have a story worth telling, you should not postpone and get it published, however, since the writing can mistransmit your tone - you should be extra careful with wording.

recommend this book as quick summary and reminder of well known truths about doing your own business.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was given to all of the development team leaders at work—not exactly a title I want to be seen carrying around the office in this economy. It made me very tired just thinking about trying to do some of the things recommended (read more business publications, take people to lunch, build professional relationships). That's probably why I don't have my own business—I'd rather spend my energy doing other things.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the CEO of the company that you work for writes a book, you'd be dumb not to read it. When the title of that book is "Fire Someone Today" you'd be an idiot to not highlight and takes notes along the way.

Though I'm not a business man this book offered great, practical tips that transfer over even to my ministry responsibilities and leadership in general. Very witty throughout and a good read. Highly recommend it.

And no, I'm not just saying all of this because he's the CEO. =)

[Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book a few years ago and would pick it up now and then to read a chapter or two. The story of the CEO of Logos Research Systems interested me because I have used the Logos Bible Software for years and I really like it.

The more I read this book the more I liked it because it is basically a manual for how to think about business.

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a business owner and probably never will be, but I sure enjoy this book. It has a lot of wisdom that I find useful even as an employee.

I first read this book in 2007. I bought the book after hearing Bob speak briefly at a training event - he just struck me as the kind of guy I'd like to hear more from. I was right!

[Tom Schulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Don’t worry about the titles. There are so many business books, this one is just trying hard to stand out.)



Actually, it is not about HR issues so much as how small competes compete and grow in the market. It is a small book, worth reading and I recommend it.

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for small to middle privately held company. Every page is based on author's experience. For a little more than a price of a hamburger, you get information that costs millions to the company!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not as "technical" on business as The Ten Day MBA, it certainly seemed more practical with its common-sense approach (e.g. the title)

[Eric Beyeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, hard-won advice on starting and doing well in your small business. Easy to read, feels like the author is discussing this over lunch with you.