Is Bob Diamond Padding His Jerk-Firing Numbers?
As some of you may recall, last year in an interview with the Finanacial Times, Bob Diamond revealed the secret to Barclays success: "a no-jerks policy on hiring, taken seriously from the top executive suites on down." Unfortunately, despite a rigorous interview process, some pricks still slip through. Deadly serious about not having time for these types, Diamond said last week that he does not hesitate to can their asses, in some cases boxing up their belongings himself. And yet. The numbers quoted by The Enforcer seem suspiciously high.
The American-born chief executive of Barclays said he does not care how good people are at what they do, if they are not suitable, they will be asked to leave. Mr Diamond said if bankers act like 'Prima Donnas' or don't get along with their colleagues they can work elsehwere. 'You know what a jerk is when you see it,' he said. 'If we ever ignore the rule it always comes back to haunt us.' So far he claims he's 'ditched 40 executives just for being jerks.'