We’re pretty good at knowing when someone is a good fit for a technical role. But how do we know when someone is ready for technical leadership or management? That’s a lot more difficult, and that’s because leadership or management—at any level—is a different job than working in the technology. Here are some ideas based […]
One of the best things about the comments on my Vistage blog post is that they are getting my juices flowing. I’ve already stated I don’t like assessments, that I prefer auditions. See Creating Auditions for Senior Managers for more details. The question about current industry standard for cultural fit got me thinking. I don’t
If you’re trying to select a manager, you want one who fits your organization. I hope you’ve read my blog post over at Vistage. If you read the comments, you see I’m not into surveys or psychometric assessments. BTW, I find it useful for me to know about myself, but not for others to use
I once said that Integrity is the Most Important Requirement in a Manager. I still believe that. But you can’t just ask, “How much integrity do you have?” That’s a leading question. Or, what if you are a company like Enron, where the entire upper management culture was one of deceit? You have to get
Vistage is a peer coaching and advisory group that “helps executives become better leaders, solve their business challenges, and get better results”. I have been asked to provide a ‘Quick Start Guide to Hiring Effective Executives’ and it will go live on their blog on Jan. 8, 2013. If you are looking for practical tips
Long ago, when I was single, one of my managers refused to give me new development work because I was dating a guy who lived out of the state. “You’ll go marry him and then where will I be?” he asked. “I’ll be down a developer.” “If you don’t give me good work to do,
In yesterday’s Globe, there was a question about How to cut ties when the old boss won’t let go. Oh my. If you weren’t sure you’d made a good decision, you know now you have. I actually think there is a better way to leave a job. Assuming you give two weeks notice, here’s what
I was thinking about the election. (How can anyone in the US avoid it?) I read Seth’s piece, Politics!, and thought that nightly debates might be a great way to discover who the smartest people are. Maybe. But a lot closer than the sound bites we get now. Since we’re not going to have nightly
I had a lovely email conversation with someone who wanted to hire a firm to perform phone screens. That just makes no sense to me. Here’s what happens when a hiring manager performs the phone screens: When a hiring manager creates a phone screen script, the manager refines the essentials of the job. Based on
I spoke with someone who wants a senior level management position. (He’s currently a mid-level manager.) I asked him about his experience with assistants. “I’ve never had one.” Oh. Senior people have assistants because they need them. Other people need them, but our organizations have decided we can do all the grunt work ourselves. Don’t