Great video of Malcolm Gladwell talking about the challenge of hiring in the modern world. While some of his sporting examples are a little questionable, I completely agree with the basic premise that the combine, and other similar measures of performance in other industries, are inherently flawed. I would add, too, that I think the way we promote people to management in the United States is idiotic. The idea that someone who performs very well in his/her job makes them a good candidate for a promotion to management is flatly absurd. The skills needed to be a great manager are drastically different — and in some cases, at odds with — the skills needed to be a great worker.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/video/conference/2008/gladwell
001 // Dustin // 07.08.2008 // 1:34 PM
A while back I read a blog entry from Dan Miller, Promotion? - No Thanks
I think he’s right, and feel the same about your comments. Some people who are promoted aren’t great at doing the “next level.”
002 // Rich // 07.09.2008 // 6:20 PM
Thanks for sharing this, Jeff. I learned a lot.