Should Your Subordinate Be Smarter Than You?

There has been a general, unspoken wisdom passed down through the ages. It is an unwritten rule that influences hiring, and is at the bottom of all office politics, regardless of industry or geographic location.

The rule is: NEVER hire anyone smarter than you.

The reason that rule is never spoken, is because it points out our insecurity and self-centered logic. It is an acknowledgment of the fear that a smarter person serving under us will reveal flaws in our practices, and disturb our status quo. Worse, it may disturb our ascension into the realms of middle and upper management. Our subordinate may actually spring ahead of us, and take that position we had coveted for so very long.

This is the instant logical crisis that confronts any supervisor or manager who has been charged with the task of hiring a new employee. After all, this is a competition, a race to be first. This is self-preservation at its finest. It is the most basic instinct at the core of mankind. The only problem is, our instincts are horrible.

The truth is, competence is never a threat. In fact, when people throw around the now passé term "diversity", they are actually looking for competence. This is the same mistake business has always made. When they brought in a college-educated greenhorn in the 50's, they were looking for a "fresh set of eyes". They were still looking for competence, and they may or may not have found it. Diversity or an education only works if you can apply your unique point of view to the problems that are being solved. Please note that I am not making a case for, or against, diversity or an education. I am merely argument that without the ability to apply the lessons learned, your education or unique cultural background make little or no difference.

So, why should you hire someone smarter than you? Well, for starters, it makes you look good. This was actually brought up by an acquaintance of mine that attends my local church. As a team leader at his company, he is in charge of various projects. He always brings in the most talented people he can find to work for him. In many cases they have far more ability than he does. His projects turn out well. He benefits from the praise of upper management, and shares the credit with his team.

This next reason will depend largely on how you treat the employees entrusted to your care, so examine your management style as you read. What if I told you it was to your benefit for your employees to be promoted ahead of you? Don't you want to have a say with upper management, to have your name brought up in discussions for promotion? If you hire exceptional people, and treat them well, promotion will not be far off. Even if they are promoted ahead of you, they will still recognize your leadership skills, and bring you along. "A rising tide lifts all boats", is more than a cute saying. It is simple statement of a deeper and more complex truth. Be warned. This is a long term strategy. If you expect it to pay off in the short term, then you will be badly disappointed.

Lastly, let me answer another fear expressed in the opening paragraphs. What if they expose your incompetence in an area? While painful, this is a good thing. By showing you the weaknesses you possess, they give you a chance to grow and learn from them. Your employees will improve you by committee, and drag you face-first into the place you need to be professionally.

Now that you have had your fears allayed(or perhaps, confirmed), the question remains: Do you have the courage to do this? If you aren't up for the challenge, then I suggest you keep your inferiors...inferior. If you are, then put down your ego, and give it a preemptive smashing. It will prepare you for the road ahead.

About the Author

Kurt Hartman has experience in many business fields, including retail, wholesale, and E-Commerce. Currently, he holds a position as an OTR analyst with a firm that sells giant tires.

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Data Entry Workers In Demand

One would think doing online data entry work would be a simple job that almost anyone could do. Many data entry workers in demand are skilled typists, however others may seek these positions as well. If you have experience as a secretary or in accounting, you may have what it takes to work in data entry.

The internet has made working in a data entry position one that is desirable even though there are many companies that have given the field a bad name. Who would be a prime candidate for data entry work?

You may be surprised: retired secretaries, college students, moms who decided to stay at home after having children, disabled persons. There really isn't a segment of the population that wouldn't be considered as long as they have the experience or are willing to learn.

What does someone interested in doing data entry work from home need to have? Of course, the first thing you'll need to have to work in the data entry field is some experience as a typist. Someone doing data entry may also do research, word processing, and transcription. All of those require some ability to type and type well.

Having a computer with high-speed internet and an email account are also necessary. Word processing and transcription software may also be required. Some companies will require that you have a telephone and fax machine. Read on the company's website to see what they require before you sign up.

Part of the reason why many people choose to pursue data entry work is because they can work at their own pace and speed doesn't come into play as much as being accurate. Some companies actually provide training in order to work with them, so if your experience is limited, you can always learn the skills you need.

Some companies may ask for a small one time fee up-front. These companies are probably legitimate but may not provide traditional data entry work at home where you work directly for an employer as an employee like you may be expecting.

The ones that ask for a fee are most likely going to show you where to go to find companies that do legitimately pay home data entry workers as well as training you on how to do the work. This is what the fee is usually for.

These programs can be excellent for beginners and will usually show you how you can earn even more than you ever could working directly for an employer. They will save you researching time and provide you with the necessary training to succeed.

Alway's remember though to be careful, when doing your research on these data entry programs. Be sure to read the company's "About Us" and/or "Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)" page. These pages should outline the program, how it works, what their requirements are, and how they pay. This will help you determine if the opportunity is for you or not.

How else can you tell if a data entry program is legitimate? Find out how the company pays and what is involved on your part, again by reading their FAQ's page. Most companies use either PayPal for immediate payment or will send you a check through the mail.

Companies that are legitimate and request a fee for training materials will also have a money-back guarantee. Finally, a legitimate company will protect your privacy.

It is great to be one of the data entry workers in demand and it can happen. Take your time to research various companies before signing up with one. Skilled typists can find legitimate data entry work at home. Look around the internet and see what is available.

About the Author

Chris Simpson is dedicated to helping people find honest and legitimate work at home and home based business opportunities. Find a legitimate data entry work at home opportunity today at: http://www.HomeNetPro.com

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