IT Hiring: Time to reread Huxley’s Brave New World?

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Actually for many managers today, read it for the first time. (It’s on line here)

 

“It's an absurdity. An Alpha-decanted, Alpha-conditioned man would go mad if he had to do Epsilon Semi-Moron work–go mad, or start smashing things up. Alphas can be completely socialized–but only on condition that you make them do Alpha work. Only an Epsilon can be expected to make Epsilon sacrifices, for the good reason that for him they aren't sacrifices; they're the line of least resistance. His conditioning has laid down rails along which he's got to run. He can't help himself; he's foredoomed.”

For the illiterate, Alpha’s are the  smartest ones. The Harvard Business Review just made a video available called “Hiring: Finding People Who Fit” which echo similar thoughts.

 

Recently I have been mentoring several younger folks, and for some, I see the definite attitude that “All people should be made in my image”. No ability (or even consideration) of walking in someone else’s shoes.

 

When I have managed groups (up to 150 bodies) in the past, I have traditionally look to understand each person, their ability, motivation and skill levels and then see where they are the best fit. Often I have encountered people that are in a very satisfying job for family/friends expectations on them, but they are unsuited for the job (yes, they do it satisfactorily and will until they break through their adequate skill ceiling and proceed to crash). These folks are not happy to do this job, but less unhappy then bucking pressure on them. Those folks I attempt to encourage self-realization and hope they will eventually proceed to a career that is both a skill/ability match and self-satisfying.  My attitude is simple, you work for each person’s best interest and the side-effect is that they will work for your best interest (and the groups).

 

Take a look at the video and see if it has applies to experiences you have had. If you are doing a startup, this can be critical for the startup success.

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