When it comes to workplace excellence, the type of speech we use is important. And just recently, morning radio shock jock Don Imus let loose with a racial slur during one of his “witty banters.” Was it wrong? Yes. Does he need to be fired? No.

Years ago I used to listen to Don Imus on my way to work. In all the years he’s been on the radio, Imus has been nothing but over-the-top and edgy. It’s what gets him ratings, and that’s why the radio stations continue to carry him. It has nothing to do it their public ethics; it has everything to do with their pocketbooks.

Walking such an edgy line is never easy for anyone, but somehow Imus has managed to pull it off all these years. In my opinion he’s crossed the line just about every day, offending just about every group he possibly can.

So did he go too far this time? Absolutely. Just like every other time. But let’s draw a parallel to the common everyday workplace. Let’s picture a guy who’s continually pushing the envelope, but making his employers lots of money. They like the money so they don’t say much. Every quarter he gets evaluated and every quarter his bosses wink and say “good job — keep it up.”

Then one day he crosses the line a bit too much on a socially sensitive topic. Eyebrows are raised. Shock is expressed. Everyone acts indignant. Some called for him to be fired.

Looking at it objectively, the company has no grounds for terminating this person. They’ve been tolerating — and even encouraging — his edgy behavior for years. To suddenly say his behavior is over-the-top and then terminate the employee without any kind of warning whatsoever is grounds for a lawsuit.

Well, every quarter Imus gets evaluated through the ratings, and every quarter the network says “keep it up.”  (He’s currently tied for 10th among radio talk shows)

Interestingly, I happened to be one that believes companies should have the right to fire anybody for any reason at any time — but that doesn’t mean that they should. With the exception of theft, fraud, and other criminal activity, I believe a company should give warnings to employees who cross boundaries. Suspensions can take place, people can be docked pay, and demotions can occur. But before terminating someone for a non-criminal activity, efforts should be made by the company to correct the errant behavior.

To suddenly fired Don Imus for his stupid comment is nothing more than misplaced blame for the network’s lack of responsibility all these years. He has apologized and is being suspended. The suspension is a good move, but it would be the height of hypocrisy for them to behave like weasels by making Imus their scapegoat.

If anything, the radio stations should apologize for tolerating his over-the-top behavior for as long as they have. The modeling of workplace excellence starts at the top.

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