About a year ago, this guy who works for me did something I can never forget. He literally saved my life. I had a terrible asthma attack right in the office that afternoon. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t talk, and everyone around just froze. This particular guy, who was the least experienced among my staff, immediately rushed to my aid. He knew exactly what to do. He found my inhaler in my bag, called my wife, and even drove me to the hospital when the situation got worse. The doctor said if I had come just five minutes later, I might not have made it. Since that day, I’ve always seen him differently. But here’s the problem. It’s been a year now, and honestly, he has not been performing well at his job. In fact, if I’m being honest with myself, there are several people out there who can do his work far better than he does. People who are more qualified, more efficient, and will bring more value to my company. I know business is business, but each time I think of letting him go, I feel an intense sense of guilt. I remember how he didn’t hesitate for one second to help me when I was dying. Now, I’m stuck between gratitude and responsibility. As an employer, I know I can’t keep an unproductive worker out of sentiment, but as a human being, I also can’t bring myself to sack someone who once saved my life. Please, how do you sack a worker that once saved your life? Would you prioritize gratitude or performance if you were in my shoes?