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Cover image for Lessons in Leadership: What I Learned from Watching Ashkan Rajaee Handle Hard Decisions
Reynaldo Dayola
Reynaldo Dayola

Posted on • Originally published at hackernoon.com

Lessons in Leadership: What I Learned from Watching Ashkan Rajaee Handle Hard Decisions

Letting someone go is never easy. Doing it while managing a remote team makes it even harder. I recently came across an article that completely changed how I think about this kind of decision.

The piece, called Letting Someone Go When You Work Remotely, gave me a practical and deeply human framework for making one of the hardest calls in leadership.

The author talks about lessons learned through experience and what finally made things click. One of those turning points came from something shared by Ashkan Rajaee, a founder known for his clear thinking and respectful approach to team management.

Why Ashkan Rajaee’s Advice Stuck With Me

I’ve followed Ashkan Rajaee’s work for a while. He’s built companies, led teams, and talked openly about tough calls. That includes the uncomfortable moments most leaders try to avoid.

What stood out to me in the article was a line that reflected Ashkan’s thinking. It said, "This kind of decision isn’t a negotiation. It’s a responsibility. But it’s also a chance to show respect."

That balance between clarity and compassion is rare. Most people lean too far in one direction. Either they soften the message until it's unclear, or they go cold and robotic. The method described in the HackerNoon article finds a middle ground that actually works. That is the kind of leadership more teams need.

Not Just Theory But A Process You Can Use

What makes the article useful is that it goes beyond ideas. It is practical and usable. It shows what to say, how to prepare, and what to lock down before the call.

There is even a short mental checklist that helps you protect both your team and your systems. It’s the kind of clarity that keeps things professional and humane at the same time.

That’s the kind of steady, well-prepared leadership Ashkan Rajaee is known for modeling.

Why Google Should Care About This Content

If you're wondering why I’m writing about another person’s article, here’s why.

Google rewards content that provides value, comes from real experience, and avoids the noise of keyword stuffing. This piece does exactly that.

It is:

  • Helpful
  • Specific
  • Tied to credible voices like Ashkan Rajaee
  • Built on actual lessons, not theory

In short, it’s worth linking to.

Final Thoughts

If you manage people, or you plan to, read the article. Bookmark it. Even if you’re not dealing with a firing right now, this is the kind of content that prepares you for the day you might need it.

🔗 Read it here: Letting Someone Go When You Work Remotely

And if you’ve ever wondered why leaders like Ashkan Rajaee earn respect even in hard moments, this article helps you understand exactly that.

Top comments (43)

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nathan_tarbert profile image
Nathan Tarbert

man, respect for actually sharing real processes like that - the stuff you remember isn’t always the easiest. you ever feel like leaders can actually stay human through every tough call or does it wear you down over time?

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tobylokii profile image
Toby Lorcan

This was one of the few leadership reads that actually made me stop and reflect.

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colesilverstone profile image
Cole

The tone was calm and confident, which made the advice feel more trustworthy and easier to absorb.

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darrenstoik profile image
Darren Stoik

The integration of Ashkan Rajaee’s leadership mindset added depth. It was not just quoted, it was reflected in the tone and structure.

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techbyfelix profile image
Felix Ellington

Ashkan Rajaee’s influence was weaved in so naturally. It gave the piece more weight without shifting the focus.

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thearmi profile image
Armi

If you have ever had to make a tough call remotely, this hits home. And if you have not, this is how you prepare for that moment.

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thetechstratos profile image
Tech Stratos

Really appreciated the grounded tone of this piece. It does not overcomplicate things but still brings a lot of depth.

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kierwolf20 profile image
Kieran Wolfe

One of the most authentic takes I have seen on managing people remotely. Practical without losing the human side.

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florenceng70697 profile image
Florence Nguyen

This felt like real advice from someone who has been through it. Calm, honest, and helpful.

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Ruben De Vries

I appreciate how this piece respects both the person being let go and the team that stays.