About this quote

Ultimatums make life simple, even if they are brutal. When you demand absolute alignment, you eliminate the middle ground and force people to show their true colors. Are you holding onto people in your business or team who are actively working against your goals? Sometimes you have to draw a hard line and let go of those who refuse to commit to the mission. It is harsh, but keeping half-hearted allies around only drags everyone else down.

When to use it

• My business partner keeps pitching ideas to our competitors. Either he signs a non-compete today or we dissolve the company immediately.
• Our star striker keeps skipping practice and laughing it off. Coach needs to bench him permanently or kick him off the team before he ruins the whole season.
• My cousin expects to live in my spare room rent-free without helping around the house. I told him he either gets a job this week or he moves out by Sunday.