Techn@gerial

On occasion, usually during times of corporate stress or when high levels of change are occurring, the “calibre” of people can be drawn into question. “Calibre” is one of those deeply meaningful management metaphors that hides its completely subjective nature and is often regarded as a binary switch or a gauge. In the long run; someone either has the calibre or they don’t.

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Bob Sutton’s blog provides a fantastic reality check for when you begin to believe your own bullshit or suspect you’re slowly having your asshole boss defences corroded.

All professional managers in any corporate situation should have his blog close to hand in my opinion and I urge them to take the Asshole Rating Self-exam immediately!

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Guy Kawasaki’s recent interview with Jeffrey Pfeffer contains an insight into Jeffrey’s new book, “What Were They Thinking, Unconventional Wisdom About Management“.  It is interesting when reading this that the majority of Jeffrey’s answers seem to be pragmatic, common sense, but it is inevitable that Guy’s questions are probing around common issues most businesses experience.  I’m interested to understand why such compelling wisdom still fails to enable businesses to consistently improve performance and make positive progress.  Perhaps it is that although the truth can set you free, so can a lie.  I’ll read and review this book in due course.

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It’s always the way, despite your better instincts and your years of experience, there is inevitably a point when you are asked for estimates and dates on the spot or at unreasonably short notice. Thomsett International in Australia have a great article that explains all the methods, ploys and games people will try to use to force the issue. I have come across most of these over the years but the relief and humour for me comes from the Timeout section of the article which gives some tips on how to assault the madness. I especially liked the “Let’s play” and “Blame your brain” approaches.

If you are in the position of being squeezed for estimates on the basis of guesswork, predefined dates or bullshit, this article will at least make you feel you’re not alone.

Estimation Games – Thomsett International

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