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How does a manager measure results between two guys, one that has 18 very easy todos done, vs a guy with 3 very difficult todos done when the manager can't even

How does a manager measure results between two guys, one that has 18 very easy todos done, vs a guy with 3 very difficult todos done when the manager can't even comprehend the difference between the difficultly level of the tasks. Then the easy task guy looks like a rockstar, and the rockstar problem solver looks like a lazy douche.

dsr_ 14y ago
A manager who can't figure out the difference between 18 easy items and 3 difficult items is already incompetent to manage those projects.
- michaelt 14y ago
  Perhaps you've seen the article on the front page about effort estimation for programmers [1]. I know when I'm handed a bug to fix, until I find the cause I have no idea if it'll be a three hour task or a three day task. If programmers don't know up front how much effort a task will take, how should managers? [1] http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4621268 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4621268
Spooky23 14y ago
The bad manager cannot tell the difference, and usually ends up looking like an idiot to his director. The problem with management types vs. individual contributors is that managers have more time in the org and usually have friends who can bail them out. So a bad worker will get fired, but a bad manager will get reassigned or even promoted.
nanijoe 14y ago
These things are a little more complex than they first appear..If you realize that performance has to be aggregated and reported up the food chain, then you'll understand why even a very competent manager cannot really afford to measure performance by the metrics he believes to be most accurate, just the ones that are easiest for his Boss to understand and send up the food chain. Unfortunately, your job as a "mid-level manager" is not to get your unit functioning with the utmost efficiency. Rather your job is to make you own Boss look as good as possible, while making sure your unit/group continues to function at an acceptable level.

dsr_ 14y ago

A manager who can't figure out the difference between 18 easy items and 3 difficult items is already incompetent to manage those projects.

michaelt 14y ago
Perhaps you've seen the article on the front page about effort estimation for programmers [1]. I know when I'm handed a bug to fix, until I find the cause I have no idea if it'll be a three hour task or a three day task. If programmers don't know up front how much effort a task will take, how should managers? [1] http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4621268 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4621268

Spooky23 14y ago

The bad manager cannot tell the difference, and usually ends up looking like an idiot to his director. The problem with management types vs. individual contributors is that managers have more time in the org and usually have friends who can bail them out. So a bad worker will get fired, but a bad manager will get reassigned or even promoted.

nanijoe 14y ago

These things are a little more complex than they first appear..If you realize that performance has to be aggregated and reported up the food chain, then you'll understand why even a very competent manager cannot really afford to measure performance by the metrics he believes to be most accurate, just the ones that are easiest for his Boss to understand and send up the food chain. Unfortunately, your job as a "mid-level manager" is not to get your unit functioning with the utmost efficiency. Rather your job is to make you own Boss look as good as possible, while making sure your unit/group continues to function at an acceptable level.