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The Way We See the World

Posted on February 9, 2012

From the Ask Tom mailbag – Question: In yesterday’s blog, you mentioned a Post-It Note mentality. What’s a Post-It Note mentality? Response: When Elliott Jaques described the four states of mental processing, he was describing the way our brains perceive … Continue reading →

Posted in Time Span | 2 Comments

One Year Experience, Ten Times

Posted on February 8, 2012

From the Ask Tom mailbag: Question: How do you distinguish between Ten years experience and One year experience ten times? Response: I love analogies. When we attempt to describe capability, we most often fall into analogies. This person has a … Continue reading →

Posted in Time Span | Leave a comment

Hierarchy vs Flat

Posted on February 7, 2012

From the Ask Tom mailbag: Question: As I look at Elliott Jaques model organization, I notice that it is a hierarchy. Over the years, I have heard, or been taught, or read articles about how it is important to flatten … Continue reading →

Posted in Time Span | Leave a comment

Open Door Policy

Posted on February 3, 2012

“I just can’t seem to get anything done,” lamented Ralph. “It seems that, all day long, people just line up at my door with questions and problems they cannot solve. I spend more time working on their problems than my … Continue reading →

Posted in Coaching Skills | 4 Comments

Not Prepared for the Interview

Posted on January 27, 2012

“But, the resume is their experience,” Alisha complained. “It’s the central document I use, in the course of an interview.” “The problem is, you look at the resume instead of the role you are trying to fill. You ask questions … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiring Talent

Playing Into the Hands of the Headhunter

Posted on January 26, 2012

“So, you think you have the upper hand in this interview process?” I asked. “Because you are the Hiring Manager and get to make the decision, you think you have the power during the interview?” Alisha stopped. “Well, it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiring Talent

It’s Not a Gamble

Posted on January 25, 2012

Greetings from San Jose. I would like to welcome our new subscribers from Sacramento. “I just don’t know if he can do the job,” lamented Morgan. “It always seems to be a throw of the dice.” “Why should it be … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability, Hiring Talent

WHO is on the Team?

Posted on January 24, 2012

Greetings from Sacramento. From the Ask Tom mailbag – Question: What do you feel are truly the most effective skills that I need to think about as a new manager? Response: Hiring and firing, top of the list. The most … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiring Talent | 2 Comments

What Matters in the Interview

Posted on January 23, 2012

Winging my way to Sacramento today, for a workshop tomorrow on the research of Elliott Jaques. Working with Lonnie Martin’s Vistage group. Our 2012 edition of Hiring Talent kicks off today. This online program is now self-paced, on demand. For … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiring Talent

Undermining Authority of the Hiring Manager

Posted on January 20, 2012

“But I don’t want to undermine the authority of the Hiring Manager,” Rene repeated. “This is not a question of undermining authority. In the end, who will be accountable for the output of the new hire?” I asked. “That would … Continue reading →

Posted in Accountability, Hiring Talent