> which I try to give, but that can't be my job
How many hours per week are you spending helping him? And how long have you been helping him?
It's pretty much a given to have to provide significant training and guidance if you want A player performance but don't want to pay for an A player.
> we could pay a lot less
Based on what evidence?
> would do a better job
Again, based on what evidence?
> but I think we need someone fantastic to get where we need to go.
And you expect to be able to just click your fingers and hire somebody fantastic for a much lower pay?
Face it: Your company stuffed up and hired a decent performer when you wanted a top performer. The correct thing to do is offer a decent severance package (at least 3 months pay if he has been with you for more than a few weeks), give him a great reference, and allow him to represent himself as still employed while he looks for another job.
How many hours per week are you spending helping him? And how long have you been helping him?
It's pretty much a given to have to provide significant training and guidance if you want A player performance but don't want to pay for an A player.
> we could pay a lot less
Based on what evidence?
> would do a better job
Again, based on what evidence?
> but I think we need someone fantastic to get where we need to go.
And you expect to be able to just click your fingers and hire somebody fantastic for a much lower pay?
Face it: Your company stuffed up and hired a decent performer when you wanted a top performer. The correct thing to do is offer a decent severance package (at least 3 months pay if he has been with you for more than a few weeks), give him a great reference, and allow him to represent himself as still employed while he looks for another job.