Struggling to Read the Boss’ Mind – A Friday Funny
By Michelle Malay Carter on January 10, 2008
Do you ever feel like your boss expects you to read his mind?? Sometimes the mind games start during the interview process.? The more things change; the more they stay the same.? This 1969 Monty Python clip is a classic.
What’s the strangest thing that has ever happened to you during an interview?
Filed Under Managerial Leadership, Talent Management
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4 Responses to “Struggling to Read the Boss’ Mind – A Friday Funny”
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Hello Michelle,
That is a classic. Actually, the last line is especially telling, as companies often post – and conduct interviews – for job openings that they have already, basically, filled. They’re required to do this for various procedural and legal reasons, but the effect can be almost as bizarre as this video.
Thanks for a great start to the day!
Jim,
Yes, I feel the same way about RFPs. I usually feel like project managers already know who they want to hire, but they are required to get X number of bids.
I have found that the longer and more detailed the proposal request is, the less likely you are to get the job.
Regards,
Michelle
I recall a particularly choatic time in my consulting career when my boss had been fired because he refused to lay more people off until a particular unproductive vice president was let go.
The CEO then came to my office for a chat. First “chat” I had with him. He said he wanted to make me a vice president. I was very junior and it was ridiculous. I laughed at him and refused the “promotion”. I clearly did not trust the fellow. I always have wondered what he thought of the conversation.
The effect of the CEO not firing a clearly unproductive senior person in this difficult time was extremely demoralizing to the troops. Ever since I have called this effect by the person’s name who was not fired, the “X” effect. Always served as a reminder to me that we all must deal with poor performers because it has a much larger effect than we realize.
Jim,
You are absolutely right. Not dealing with a poor performer is an abdication of managerial leadership. I certainly agree that one poor performer has a ripple effect because that poor performer’s work influences his manager, his peers, his direct reports and anyone under his direct reports as well.
Michelle