Jeff,

Those are the ones that always get me too. I’ve never been haunted by the hard calls. It’s the ones where I took it “easy” on someone who could have gotten slammed. I had to relieve a PL – the reason’s not really important – however it was one of those things that people said, “you relieved him for THAT?” It could have gone either way I guess, however it was ultimately the judgement, or lack thereof, that was shown that made me come down on as a relief.

Bottom line, I base my determinations and counseling on this single principle, “do I want this person leading my children?” If the person just needs to get a little remedial training, some additional experience, maybe mature a little, then cool. If not, then we as leaders need to take action, and follow up to ensure that action hits the intended target.