Thursday, September 9, 2010

A large portion of my life

BS = Business Speak



"My speculation: People disagree in corporations, often virulently, or they would disagree if enough real debates were allowed to reach the surface. The use of broad generalities, in rhetoric, masks such potential disagreements and helps maintain corporate order and authority. Since it is hard to oppose fluffy generalities in any very specific way, a common strategy is to stack everyone's opinion or points into an incoherent whole. Disagreement is then less likely to become a focal point within the corporation and warring coalitions are less likely to form.

Many morale-improving corporate practices are precisely what people perceive as somewhat demoralizing, such as fluffy rhetoric, forced socializing, and a somewhat egalitarian bonus structure. Rule of thumb: when you see the demoralizing, start with the premise that it is being done for morale."

"To me the corporate speak makes me think about the way modern companies approach variation in ability. Most companies put together official and unofficial norms and processes to smooth out the difference in abilities. This can hamper truly competent people but it limits the impact of less competent people and whatever damage they can do. If you delineate every process step you may get less variation. Some companies, like Netflix, specifically reject this model of business and constantly search for high performers. However that takes a conscious decision to fire even adequate employees and spend alot of money in HR looking for the best employees.

In my current org (large SI) has a massive churn rate and hires people often on a project basis. For long term positions there is much more freedom but they decided to use an up or out model to cultivate their best performers.

I think there is value in both approaches but it is easier to straight-jacket the employees you find than go out and compete for the best performers."


The comments are just as interesting as the post.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

The trees will win in the end







PS - I like the Canadian tuxedo.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Drive By Truckers


Listen to their new album for free online. http://www.drivebytruckers.com/

May 18, 2010


Black Keys, New Album, I'm can't wait.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

At the gym, a true story...

....just come get me if you need a spot = cool guy.
..... feel free to work in with me if you want to learn something = douchebag.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Friday, January 8, 2010

The Tudors


Basically, historical porn. So if you like history and softcore porn this is your show.

I'm halfway through the second season.

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