Where we fit in! 2

[ptheriault]

This we from SQL Server magazine 2006 December edition. I thought you guys might have a good laugh.

- Paul

- If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

 

[SQLSister]

monksnake, unfortunately true. Just because someone is labelled a dba or a data analyst doesn't mean that person is actually qualified or competent.

Questions about posting. See faq183-874

 

[AlexCuse]

What about the opposite? If someone is labeled a manager or supervisor, does that mean they are actually incompetent?

Ignorance of certain subjects is a great part of wisdom

 

[philhege]

If you subscribe to Peter's thinking, Alex, that's a high probability.

I think Sis means that you can wangle your way into a position with a bit of smoke and mirrors, or you can have your job title morphed to something that doesn't really match your qualifications, or you can sit on your a$$ and not keep up with the advances in your specialty.

 

[flapeyre]

As our careers progress, we know less and less about more and more. Eventually, we'll know nothing about everything.

Tibi gratias agimus quod nihil fumas.

 

[monksnake]

If someone is labeled a manager or supervisor, does that mean they are actually incompetent?

I think if a person is labeled a manager or supervisor, usually they don't have the skills to do the actual work: I'm pretty sure this used to not be the case. Usually, these people are good at manipulating others. I think "smoke and mirrors" is a good assessment Phil.

<.

 

[AlexCuse]

I agree with your assessment too Phil. But, what is Peter's thinking? Did I miss something?

Ignorance of certain subjects is a great part of wisdom

 

[Welshbird]

I've come to believe that IT departments should possibly upside down. In terms of distribution of knowledge detail I mean.

For example, my boss needs to be able to manage the overall process, but the further down the food chain you get you need more understanding of the nuts and bolts of it all.

Of course, this only works when the upper echelons understand that the knowledge is with other people and trust them to do the best thing.



Fee

The question should be [red]Is it worth trying to do?[/red] not [blue] Can it be done?[/blue]

 

[philhege]

Alex, it's this Peter.

 

[monksnake]

Oh yeah Peter. I have heard that principle.

<.

 

[AlexCuse]

Ah. Yeah, I subscribe to his thinking. Maybe I need to focus on becoming MORE incompetent if I want to get ahead. Seems it would be easier ;-)

Ignorance of certain subjects is a great part of wisdom

 

[philhege]

Incompetence doesn't guarantee advancement. It's a
consequence of advancement. You have to be competent
in your present position to be considered for the move
to a place of incompetence.

 

[monksnake]

You have to be competent
in your present position to be considered for the move
to a place of incompetence.

I disagree. Let me reword that for you.


You have to (appear to) be competent (by someone that is incompetent) in your present position to be considered for the move to a place of incompetence.


<.

 

[Bandenjamin]

Actually the Peter Principle allows that a person will eventually be promoted to their level of incompetence, essentially, I make widgets and am very good at it. I get promoted to head of producing widgets and do a great job at that as well. Someone promotes me to the head of selling widgets, at which I am horrible....hence I have become incompetent.

In today's workplace we are more often stuck with the Dilbert principle, where in people are hired directly in to positions beyond their level of competence. Frankly I know I wouldn't trust my current manager to leave the pickles off my cheeseburger....

--Dan
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Mark Twain

 

[AlexCuse]

I disagree then as well Phil. A star for the monksnake principle!



Ignorance of certain subjects is a great part of wisdom

 

[philhege]

Agreed. Promotion, then, is based on the appearance of competence.

 

[monksnake]

Agreed. Promotion, then, is based on the appearance of competence.

Even more so, it (promotion) is based on the appearance of competence most of the time by someone who (based on the Peter Principle) is already at their level of incompetence.

<.

 

[aarenot]

promotion is often about who is the buddy(ass kisser) of the guy who does the promoting, in order that the promoted will not point out the incompetence of the promoter. Politics, politics, and politics. Going for lunch, a beer, topless bars, golf course, or general non-work related activities to become a good ol boy/gal.