More than a living

If you work in the corporate world, you’re likely starting to feel a little prickly sensation on the back of your neck. And that’s because, after reading that headline up there, you’re beginning to think about the ominous–not to mention foreboding–”annual performance review.”
As an employee, you’re now beginning to scramble. Trying to remind your managers […]

When was the last time you sought the most average potential candidate for your next employee? When you said, “competent is great, but a solid ‘C’ candidate is the real sweet spot?” Are you hiring for the tasks that need addressed, or to meet the bell-curve of your pending performance reviews?
I hope you haven’t been […]

So, I’m watching some gangster flick the other night. Basically any gangster flick. Pick one.
At some point in the movie, someone will go and do something dumb. And then the heavy will decide to spare the idiot’s life but revoke all of his “privileges” for a certain town.
Take Marsellus Wallace and Butch Coolidge from Pulp […]

We, as a species, are big fans of veneer.
No, not Vermeer. Although Girl with a Pearl Earring is a beautiful piece, I must admit. The enigmatic nature of her countenance, at times, rivals even that of the Mona Lisa. Don’t you think?
Wait a second. Where was I going with this? Oh yes. Veneer.
We like to […]

I work with contractors and consultants in nearly every aspect of my life. How is it that the idea of “workmanship,” or the pride of a job well done, can vary so greatly among the masses that work as independent contractors and consultants?
I’ve done a few remodels over the last few years, and find that […]

I love my daily dose of Systematic HR. A great reflection on millennial talent resonates.
I think that “life indeed is the pursuit, not the fulfillment of one’s work life” is a key point that Gen Xers had to slowly stumble into, whereas Gen Ys have had the advantage of watching their Baby Boomer parents discover […]

Turn a bolt, tighten a screw. Are you a tool? Are you the driven, or the Driver?
I hope that was an easy question to answer. If you feel like a tool, start thinking about how you differentiate yourself through insightful contributions or exceptional execution. (Your view here probably has a lot to do with finding […]

Mike Rogoway of the Oregonian writes today about the employee evaluation process at Intel, a Portland area employer of some 16,000 in the area alone. These evaluations, or Focals, drive reward and punishment at the area employer. Bonuses to probation, depending on your performance in recent months.
Rick Brumble, a former business analyst at Intel who […]

What kind of employee would you prefer to have (or be)? A naturally intelligent one focused on performance, or a hard worker focused on learning and growth? According to Stanford professor Carol Dweck’s research described in her new book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, you’re in much better shape choosing the hard worker who […]

Here is a new “performance review hard luck story” for the files, courtesy of JoJo’s World:
During my stay here for 2.5 months, my supervisor kept on changing. My leave approval and performance assessment is done by different bosses and the boss who I report to on daily work was not the one who gave me […]