I AM JOE - There's a storm brewing. You see, a lot of people are getting righteously pissed about what they perceive as over-the-top treatment of Joe Wurzelbacher (A.K.A. JOE THE PLUMBER) by members of the press. Media reports have described his tax status, whether or not he's a licensed plumber, and other things that have absolutely no bearing on his question to Barack Obama, or Obama's response.

And I think the anger is justified. What the hell does it matter whether the person asking the the question holds a professional license, or owes back taxes? The question has merit, or it doesn't. I think it does. Obama's answer, including the bit about spreading the wealth around does reveal something about his philosophy and the kinds of policies he would support.

Even if you view this as a tempest in a teapot, we should be more than a little concerned about the implications of Mr. Wurzelbacher's treatment by some members of the press - if you care about participatory government and what happens to ordinary people who speak up and question our candidates and elected officials. In this case, it seems that some in the media are focusing on the person asking the question, rather than the merits of the question and the implications of Obama's response. For the record, I think Obama's response merits discussion.

What does this have to do with management? Perhaps nothing. But it does have a lot to do with leadership and integrity - and ultimately, that's what this site is about. ⇒ Read more

What can you do when you work in a severely dysfunctional environment? Can you do more than just 'grin and bear it'?

As some have found, there's a learning opportunity in every work situation.

If nothing else, you can take comfort in knowing that you have opportunities to learn valuable lesson while suffering: ⇒ Read more

I was lamenting the confusing interface to a piece of software the other day, when a colleague said it sounded a bit like 'grousing' because I wasn't able to suggest any improvements. I capitulated, admitting I wasn't close enough to the problem to offer any useful feedback at the time.

Later, though, I was thinking about the exchange, and began to put it in perspective, especially regarding a recent post about the truth being filtered as it made its way up the company hierarchy. ⇒ Read more

Have you ever wondered how your boss got their job? Have you ever thought "this guy is so incompetent, he probably doesn't even know it"? How/why does this happen?

Whenever there's an job opening, staff are frequently asked if they know anyone who might be a good fit. This is indeed an excellent way to jump start the hiring process; personal references are frequently much better than "off the street" hires. The obvious caveat is that the inside person doing the recommending has good sense and a good understanding of more than just the skills required. For example, the inside person may be a good person and a good employee but may not understand the corporate culture or their friend well enough to see that it just won't work out: think highly structured vs. very laid-back, for example.

What does this have to do with getting an incompetent boss? ⇒ Read more

I hate to break it to you, but I'm your boss. Your complaining and dissatisfaction fall on deaf ears, most of the time. You can be replaced. Keep it up, and you probably will be. Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger.

No matter how useful or clever you are, or how hard you work, your continued employment is an economic decision: you earn your pay (and more), or you don't. If you don't, you're probably headed for the unemployment office at the next downsizing opportunity. ⇒ Read more

"It should just work." "All ya gotta do is..."

We've all heard this time and time again. For those of use who have spent much time in Software Development organizations, this battle cry is an anathema to those of us who like to have some proof. ⇒ Read more

Suffering from low morale? Wondering why your crew isn't as chipper as you'd like them to be? Thinking of bringing in an outsider to evaluate their state of mind? Consider this sage advice from a seasoned software engineer:

When the company president hires a psychologist to interview all of the engineers (in an effort to find out what is wrong with the development process), it is probably time to leave. Past time, even.
Link

I assume that the author of that gem has experienced such nonsense. Or he has a fertile imagination. Or both.

Bob Sutton (co-founder STVP, Stanford University) gives a talk about the true costs of allowing assholes in your organization.

This video (Flash player is required) is well worth a watch (or listen.) I suggest you crank it up during the next staff meeting.

Link

The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't author: Robert I. Sutton asin: 0446526568

The No Asshole Rule, Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isnt [UNABRIDGED CD] (Audiobook) author: Robert I. Sutton asin: B000TKBYX8

This last Saturday, November 11th, I had a total blast listening to Mythbusters Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, chat about who they were, how they'd gotten where they are and how they worked together (if you're a geek or just like stories about blowing stuff up, these guys are a must see).

I was struck by their nearly total dissimilarities with respect to temperament, stage presence, and working styles. ⇒ Read more

Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking author: Malcolm Gladwell asin: 0316010669

I was thinking about the unpleasant things I've encountered in various workplaces. In my experience, there are few things I find more repugnant than explicit, blatant negative reinforcement.

I am reminded of a scene from The Hudsucker Proxy:

Mail Room Orienter: You punch in at 8:30 every morning, except you punch in at 7:30 following a business holiday, unless it's a Monday, then you punch in at 8 o'clock. Punch in late and they dock you. ⇒ Read more

Other People's Habits: How to Use Positive Reinforcement to Bring Out the Best in People Around You author: Aubrey C. Daniels asin: 007135915X