I think Peter nailed it for me, too. "...unpleasant emotions are more likely to lead to mood contagion than are pleasant emotions." Get the Nay-Saying, mood-altering, viral individual O*U*T - before the contagion spreads and affects morale with a Group Dynamic force.
But what if "you" are on the receiving end of the termination? Absolutely be outraged, whine and complain, disrespect your Company? No no no! Simply take it as a Life Lesson Learned. Learn, grow, adjust and become all the more better for it.
I like how you put it, Max: Never be content to "breed mediocrity. "
