Today’s New York Times has an article asking just that question. One reader wrote in to say “There is nothing wrong with being an average (mediocre) employee. … The reality is that work is not the most important thing in everyone’s lives. People have more important things in their life than work. Work is simply […]
Career Planning
Career Stress to the Max: Goldman Sachs Employee Says, “Take This Job And …’
You think you have career stress? Think again! You may have seen the news report: A Goldman Sachs manager, Greg Smith, resigned in a very public way. Before sending in his resignation letter, Smith wrote an Op-Ed piece for the New York Times, expressing his frustration with his employer. He criticized the self-serving value system […]
Harvard Graduates In The Mailroom: Buying a Lottery Ticket Or Investing In A Future?
An article in today’s New York Times Magazine asks, “Why do Harvard graduates work in the mailroom?” You can read the article here. Author Adam Davidson refers to the best-selling book, Freakonomics, which noted the peculiar behavior of drug dealers. They accepted low pay and dangerous conditions on the slim chance they would hit the […]
How Can Companies Identify Hidden Superstars?
Recently a question was posed in an online forum. Jeremy Lin was not expected to be a star. He was waived by other teams and wasn’t considered good enough to hold a starting position. Surely many companies have employees who aren’t performing to potential, creating a huge opportunity cost for these organizations. What can they […]
Career Planning: Should You Hire and Fire?
Recently this question was posed on a LinkedIn forum: Should you hire and fire? Readers interpreted the question differently. Some said, “Hire slow and fire fast.” Most said, “Don’t hire anyone unless you’re prepared to invest in his/her retention and growth.” Here’s my response (edited from what I posted): With small companies, or companies going […]
Career Planning: Do you count on a bonus for personal extras?
Today’s New York Times “Social Q’s” column addressed this question: For the last 7 years, Anonymous had received a “generous cash bonus” from her boss – “in addition to the regular company bonus.” She explains, “I do many personal errands for him during the year.” This year: no bonus. She wonders why. (I’m assuming the […]