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Remote work that’s based on quality output is the solution. At least in software development. My first job was in an office. I became friends with someone who
by ryanSrich 3y ago
Remote work that’s based on quality output is the solution. At least in software development.
My first job was in an office. I became friends with someone who I’ll say mastered the “art of not working”. He was always the first one in, the last one out. When decisions needed to be made, he was the one people would consult with. However, he never did any meaningful work. It’s not like he was a people manager. He wasn’t. He was a developer. But he never developed anything. He just appeared to. That appearance of work gave him job security, raises, and eventually more power within the company. It truly was an art form as I don’t think any company would have noticed. That’s how good he was.
- kzrdude 3y agoHow did you notice?
- HL33tibCe7 3y ago> When decisions needed to be made, he was the one people would consult with. Sounds like a useful employee. Maybe not rushing around constantly allowed him time to actually think through problems.
- ryanSrich 3y agoSure but he wasn’t even the best dev on the team, or even someone I would have went to for answers. He just appeared to be. The entire thing was a ruse. Also, it’s not that he wasn’t running around. That’s actually my point. If running around and looking busy is what it took, he’d do that. Essentially he did everything he could to give the appearance of working. Now that I’ve been in the industry for over a decade, I can say it’s a pretty common type of character. They’re usually the ones that get promoted.
- blindhippo 3y agoWithout knowing details, it could be that this person (or persons in your experience) are actually delivering work that doesn't fit what you deem to be meaningful work. Yet the businesses are rewarding them. Might be a calibration issue on your side potentially?
- Given_47 3y agoI would assume they’re suggesting the company also has misaligned incentives
- ryandrake 3y agoI think we all have worked with this guy. When he set up his character, he put all his skill points into Charisma.
- axus 3y agoThat is a well-paid rubber duck, and if they're helping the company make money then good for them.
- jimbob21 3y agoYou've just described a technical director, so it is no surprise that he was promoted.