PUTTIN' COLOGNE ON THE RICKSHAW

A Guide to Dysfunctional Management and the Evil Workplace
April 26th, 2012 by William

Best of the Best

In my book I talk about the obsession that many management teams have with chasing the all elusive ‘best-of-the-best’ employee. Many organizations are on a constant quest to “upgrade” their organization in this manner. They think that if they only had the crème de la crème all their visions and values and financial goals would miraculously become reality.

They also believe that this illusive team of A-players would be more proactive, efficient and effective. See my book Puttin’ Cologne on the Rickshaw for my take on the “proactive” epidemic.

In his April 17th 2012 Financial Times article, “Only a Privileged Few Work with Top Talent,” Philip Delves Broughton points out; “Everyone loves to recite the mantras of excellence, like the one about A-players hiring A-players and B-players hiring C-players. The reality is that A-players are a limited resource, while Bs and Cs are what are usually available and affordable.” They key here is “affordability,” and in my book I talk about the fact that most organizations are not prepared to pay for the best-of-the-best anyway.

What’s interesting is that these very management teams are themselves only average yet they prop themselves up by brainwashing themselves with this nonsense. Pontificating the need to only hire the “best-of-the-best” helps convince themselves that they too are A-players hiring A-players.

When you think about it, this is very telling of the way an organization is managed and by how the employees are treated. Most organizations don’t know how to treat their average employees let alone the best-of-the-best. They fact is that most organizations are loaded with average workers and that’s what management has to work with.

As Broughton points out; “…managers spend more time managing mediocrity than they do searching for excellence. Their day-to-day work is more like shoving a lumpy mattress up a narrow staircase.”

It’s ironic in a way. Most organizations become so fixated on the belief that the best-of-the-best employees all must work somewhere else and as such they must constantly be searching to hire these “rock stars” into their organization. The pity is they never realize that the employees they already have can be the best-of-the-best if only management were to motivate them through trust and shared accountability versus the typical command and control mentality.

If you do hire the best-of-the-best your business or organization better be the best-of-the-best cultural environment or all you’re doing is hiring another employee who’ll become disillusioned and disgruntled in a week, a month or a year, and you’ll be then giving him a bad performance review, all the while saying that you want to hire the best-of-the-best.

In the book Rework, Jason Fried and David Hansson drive home this point, “Instead of thinking about how you can land a room full of rock-stars, think about the room instead. We’re all capable of bad, average and great work. The environment has a lot more to do with great work than most people realize…there’s a ton of untapped potential trapped under lame policies, poor direction, and stifling bureaucracies. Cut the crap and you’ll find that people are waiting to do great work.”

 

Comments

89 Responses to “Best of the Best”
  1. Was exactly what I was looking for, thank you for posting.

  2. Hey there! I’ve been reading your weblog for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Houston Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the great job!

  3. You really have tremendous articles. Many thanks for sharing your blog site.

  4. Howdy! My name is Melba Dings and I just wanted to say your web site rocks! It really is amusing due to the fact I use to have a blog website that nearly had an identical web address. Mine was only a few letters different. Anyways, I am a big admirer of your blogging site and if you ever would like a guest article make sure you email me personally. I take pleasure in writing!

  5. Just discovered this blog thru Bing, what a way to brighten up my year!

  6. Your post has been beneficial to me. It’s really informative and you’re certainly quite knowledgeable in this region. You have opened my eyes to varying views on this topic with fascinating and solid content.

  7. Anonymous says

    Greetings. I am wondering if you would be interested in doing a website link swap? I notice your blog: http://puttincologneontherickshaw.com/authors-blog/best-of-the-best/ and my blog are primarily based around the same subject. I’d love to switch links or perhaps guest author a article for you. Here is my personal email: Hunkele@gmail.com. Make sure you contact me if you’re even remotely interested. Thank you so much.

  8. Anonymous says

    Would you mind if I quote a several of your blogposts as long as I provide credit and sources returning to your weblog: http://puttincologneontherickshaw.com/authors-blog/best-of-the-best/. I’ll aslo make certain to give you the appropriate anchortext link using your website title: Best of the Best | PUTTIN' COLOGNE ON THE RICKSHAW. Be sure to let me know if this is okay with you. Thanks

  9. Anonymous says

    Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We were going to grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clearly from this post. I am very glad to see such fantastic info being shared freely out there.

  10. Anonymous says

    This really answered my problem, thank you!

  11. Anonymous says

    Some truly prime articles on this web site, saved to bookmarks .

  12. Tammera Nicklaw says

    Wonderful goods from you, man. I have been mindful of your stuff previous to this and you are just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you’ve brought here, certainly like what you are saying and the way by which you say it. You are making it entertaining and you continue to take care to keep it smart. I can’t wait to learn far more from you. That is actually a wonderful web site.

  13. Engineerng Services says

    Thanks

  14. Anonymous says

    Remarkable issues here. I am very satisfied to see your article. Thanks so much.

  15. Anonymous says

    I’m glad to be a visitor of this web site, appreciate it for this rare information!

  16. Derek Meinhart says

    I am continually investigating online for articles that can help me. Thx!

    • Wow, I think you will be a great OB. It seems like you have a real love for children, families, and people in general. Sad to say that those qualities are rare traits in today’s world. I believe not just anyone should be in just any job because you could be in a job that you hate and end up making everyone who comes in contact with you at work miserable. You have the joy and care to be great at your job and effect those you will be working around not only by your knowledge, but by your love for what you do.

  17. Anonymous says

    I like this website because there’s a lot of helpful material here: D.

  18. Anonymous says

    This web website will be fabulous, I like it.

  19. Anonymous says

    Thanks for your time for your impressive and remarkable guide. I will not be reluctant to endorse your internet sites to any individual who ought to receive direction on this problem.

  20. Anonymous says

    I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting points or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this write-up. I want to read even more things about it!

  21. Anonymous says

    This information is magnificent. I understand and respect your clear-cut points. I’m impressed along with your writing style and how well you express your thoughts.

  22. Anonymous says

    Undeniably believe that which you said. I certainly get annoyed while men and women consider worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the entire thing without having side effect, men and women can take a signal. Will likely be back to get a lot more. Thanks

  23. Anonymous says

    You made some respectable points there. I looked on the internet for the problem and found a lot of people will go along with your internet site.

  24. Galice Keen says

    When are you going to post again? You really inform a lot of people!

  25. Anonymous says

    I have to show my thanks to the writer just for bailing me out of this particular scenario. As a result of searching through the the web and seeing strategies which are not helpful, I figured my life was over. Being alive minus the approaches to the problems you have fixed through your article is a critical case, as well as the ones that would have in a wrong way affected my career if I hadn’t encountered the website. Your primary competence and kindness in dealing with a lot of stuff was very helpful. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I had not discovered such a point like this. It’s possible to at this moment look forward to my future. Thanks very much for this expert and result oriented guide. I will not think twice to endorse your blog post to anybody who needs and wants counselling about this situation.

  26. Anonymous says

    Thanks for all your efforts that you have put in this. Extremely fascinating data.

  27. Anonymous says

    You’ve noted very fascinating points! Nice internet site.

  28. Anonymous says

    Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Thanks

  29. Anonymous says

    Excellent post, thanks and we would like far more! Added to FeedBurner.

  30. Pocztowe kody says

    You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write. This arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart. “History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.” by Napoleon.

  31. Anonymous says

    Everyone loves what you are up too. This kind of clever work and reporting! Keep up the terrific work. I’ve included you to our blogroll.

  32. I and my buddies have been reading the best tips and tricks on your web blog and so instantly I got an awful feeling I had not thanked the web blog owner for those strategies. These people were definitely certainly passionate to read all of them and have without a doubt been having fun with them. I appreciate you for actually being well helpful and for considering this sort of ideal subject matter millions of individuals are really wanting to be aware of. My sincere apologies for not expressing gratitude to sooner.

  33. Anonymous says

    Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossip and this is actually irritating. A good web site with exciting content, this is what I need. Thanks for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

  34. Matthew C. Kriner says

    Well-optimized webpage, I haven’t viewed such a well-prepared appearance. And also the articles, a little something amazing. Congratulations!

  35. Anonymous says

    This is my 1st time checking here. I discovered so much entertaining stuff within your blog, specifically its discussion. From the tons of comments on your posts, I guess I’m not the only 1 having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the superb work.

  36. Anonymous says

    This really is the proper weblog for anyone who wants to locate out about this subject. You realize so significantly it’s almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to, Ha Ha). You surely put a new spin on a subject that’s been written about for years. Excellent stuff, just wonderful!

  37. Anonymous says

    I’ve been reading numerous of your articles and I need to say pretty excellent stuff. I will surely bookmark your website.

  38. Anonymous says

    I dugg some of your posts as I cogitated they were very beneficial, very beneficial.

  39. Anonymous says

    Good day! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

    • Good day!This was a really quality post!I come from Roma, I was fortunate to come cross your theme in Google. Also I get much in your Topics really thank your very much. I will come daily.

  40. Anonymous says

    I consider something truly interesting about your web blog so I bookmarked.

  41. Wanetta Suter says

    It is very well written; I really like what you have got to state.

  42. Anonymous says

    I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great articles.

  43. Anonymous says

    My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find many of your posts to be exactly what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for you? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write concerning here. Again, awesome web site!

  44. Anonymous says

    I like this blog so much, saved to fav.

  45. Anonymous says

    Real wonderful information can be found on this website.

  46. Anonymous says

    Keep up the fantastic piece of work, I read the content on this website and I believe that your web blog is rattling interesting and contains circles of great info.

  47. Anonymous says

    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now I’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  48. Anonymous says

    Very interesting subject, appreciate it for posting. “The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success.” by Paramahansa Yogananda.

  49. Anonymous says

    I am not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic. I need to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this information for my mission.

  50. Fedelm Cornwallis says

    Amazing article, cheers, I will subscribe to you RSS later.

  51. Anonymous says

    As I web-site possessor I believe the content matter here is magnificent, appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.

  52. Agen Bola says

    Some truly good articles on this website, regards for contribution.

  53. Anonymous says

    Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe this site needs far more attention and I’ll probably be back again to read through more, thanks for the info!

  54. Dortha Gums says

    I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for putting up.

  55. Ruth Poock says

    Hello, I feel that I saw you visited my blog so I got here to “go back the favor”. I am trying to find issues to enhance my site! I assume its adequate to use a few of your concepts!!

  56. Vina Capito says

    I like this web site very much so much wonderful info.

  57. Silas Moye says

    You have very interesting points!

  58. Real superb visual appeal on this web site, I’d rate it 10.

  59. Great info and right to the point. Thanks :)

  60. Anonymous says

    I was recommended this blog by my cousin. You’re amazing! Thanks!

  61. Anonymous says

    I think other site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and fantastic style and design, let alone the content. You’re an expert in this topic!

  62. Anonymous says

    Awesome post! I will keep an on eye on your blog.

  63. Daisy Kingsley says

    I gotta favorite this internet site it seems very useful very beneficial.

  64. Chas Tyrus says

    I really like it whenever people come together and share thoughts. Great website, keep it up!

  65. Hulda Gettel says

    Thanks to the author for taking his time on this one.

  66. Ronnie Sapia says

    I blog frequently and I truly thank you for your content. This article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too.

  67. Gertha Cradic says

    Glad I discovered this on google.

  68. Anonymous says

    Now this is what I call an amazing post. Thanks a lot for posting this.

  69. Nell Jabali says

    You should ponder writing for profit online, you have a strong writing style.

  70. Twila Evenstad says

    Wonderful goods from you, man. I understand your stuff and you’re extremely magnificent. I actually like what you have here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful web site.

  71. Babara Collar says

    I believed this was a truly superior blog article. I always like reading content articles like this.

  72. Rodrick Montes says

    Very good post, I certainly love this web site, carry on with it.

  73. Anonymous says

    I’m still learning from you, while I’m improving myself. I certainly love reading everything that is written on your site. Keep the aarticles coming. I loved it!

  74. Wesley Isom says

    You love to share your knowledge, thank you. Excellent tips and hints.

  75. Mohammad Atkinson says

    Only a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw great layout.

  76. Norman Hampton says

    You love to share your knowledge, thank you. Excellent helpful hints.

  77. Alice Wilde says

    I love the efforts you have put in this, thank you for all the great content.

  78. Anonymous says

    Nice post…

  79. Anonymous says

    I think other website proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and magnificent user friendly style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!…

  80. Anonymous says

    Wow! This could be one of the most beneficial blogs we’ve ever come across on this subject. Basically Magnificent. I’m also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work….

  81. Anonymous says

    Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and this is really irritating. A good blog with interesting content, that’s what I need. Thank you for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it…

  82. Bookmarked!!, I love your site!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CAPTCHA Image
Reload Image