Leaders are judged in how they react

ATLANTA — It seems there have been a state of public firings here lately. From an outsider’s perspective, there is a case to be made that none of the firings have been handled well.

Without focusing on the details, at least two of the firings involved emails, media reports suggest.

The manager of the Atlanta Braves learned of his firing when he received an email alerting him that his travel plans were changed for him. The general manager of the Atlanta airport received a letter via email that his service was no longer needed.

Frankly, now-former Atlanta Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez handled the situation with class. He took two bottles of wine to the room of the general manager so they two could talk like adults.

Not to sound like a mobster here, but it’s just business. Unfortunately, in the course of business people are fired, quit or leave in a way they would rather not.

But, the true measure of character is how do the parties react. Do they sit and hash it out like adults? Do they shrug off responsibility? Do they spread false rumors?

Unfortunately, many, in a bid to make themselves feel better, spread false information. I’ve seen it happen. It’s sad, but it’s a fact of life.

True leaders are judged in tough times, not just the good times. True leaders are judged in how they treat others.

We may not agree on the whys of a particular decision, but we can always agree to disagree. But, why not sit down and act like — or at least pretend we are — adults?