It’s Not About the Forms
November 5, 2008
“You describe the role as entry level. The output must conform to strict guidelines, which creates the quality standard. What are the decisions that must be made in connection with the work?” Arlene was shaking her head from side to side.... Read more...
Underestimating the Level of Work
November 4, 2008
“I still don’t know what you are getting at,” Arlene shook her head. “It’s entry level work. You are right, it’s not that interesting.” “Don’t be so swift,” I reprimanded. “Let’s... Read more...
What’s Missing in the Work?
November 3, 2008
“What has been missing in this young recruit’s career?” I asked. “I don’t know,” Arlene replied. “All she seemed interested in was how many vacation days she is going to get.” “Why do you think... Read more...
What Has Been Missing?
October 31, 2008
Goal Directed work is a basic feature of all life. -Elliott Jaques All life. Not just humans, all life. What is work? Work is an organism’s judgment in making decisions to reach a goal? -Elliott Jaques Work is not pushing the red button. Pushing... Read more...
Why 40?
October 30, 2008
Hassan started this the other day looking for Reasons People Work. Here is Elliott’s take: From Social Power and the CEO: -Elliott Jaques People want work in which they can have the opportunity to exercise their full potential capability, to spread... Read more...
A Lump of Work
October 29, 2008
Yesterday’s question: Reasons people work? brought some very thoughtful responses. You can see them all here. Many of you subscribe by email so unless you follow the link above you are going to miss this one, from Ozzie Gontang, a good friend and... Read more...
Reasons People Work?
October 28, 2008
From the Ask Tom mailbag: Hassan writes: Good day Mr. Tom. I really appreciate the service you are providing. I’ve got a business studies assignment to create 20 reasons why people work. Could you please help me out with some reasons? In response... Read more...
Essence of Accountability
October 27, 2008
The past couple of weeks, we have been looking at teams and accountability, some great comments. Don writes: Team responsibility is a nonsensical theory developed by academics that have never functioned in the work place. No one is ever responsible for... Read more...
Not a Group
October 24, 2008
“At first, this group dynamics stuff looked interesting, you know, everyone together under a team incentive bonus. It sounded exciting in the seminar, but in real life, this is painful,” Naomi explained. “The worst part, is we’re... Read more...
Resentment
October 23, 2008
“Well, the bonus was designed to promote teamwork. At the end of the year, if they made their team goal, everyone would get the same amount of incentive from the pool,” Naomi explained. “And?” I prompted. “And, it turns... Read more...
