Management Bits and Tips

A few years ago I introduced the notion of a process parasite. After reading biographies for some time I decided to extend this to the notion of a contributing process parasite:

Let me give you an example. Recall that Einstein made his discoveries while working in a patent office where he had free time. Would have the management of that office tolerated if they knew what he was doing while processing patents for clock devices? So let’s give a definition of a contributing process parasitism:

an extension of a process parasitism between an employee and an organization in which one, the process parasite, makes a contribution to humanity or to a specific domain of activity in general.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Tell me what your canteen is,
and I will tell you what your company is.

During my rare visits to Irish pubs I sometimes meet people working or worked in the same companies I previously worked for. While recalling past times over a few beers I always mention canteen experience. A few weeks ago, when I introduced myself as a writer, I was told it would be great to start writing a book about corporate canteens similar to popular guides to pubs, bars and restaurants. And I was even immediately invited to a corporate canteen for a starter!

So, let’s begin with a canteen I visited ten years ago (2000) in Moscow, Russia. The company I worked for at that time was Luxoft, the part of a bigger IBS Group Holding. As we were sitting in an office recreated from a past factory we had to go for a lunch to another building where IBS headquarters were residing. The food was good but expensive (not subsidized) and, sometimes, as a part of the team building exercise we were also walking to a another nearby canteen that belonged to some scientific institute I don’t recall the name of. The good thing about IBS corporate canteen was that occasionally we could see top Russian corporate and IT strategists. If they were eating there the food must be really good. After 10 years I still remember some dishes despite their small portioned size. Salads were traditionally Russian. Sometimes there were even free tables to sit and eat in solitude. At that time I didn’t have an idea to read a book during lunch time. I also noticed the availability of cognac that could be purchased separately. However, I don’t recall seeing employees drinking spirits in that canteen. We could even walk after lunch as there were quiet places outside with benches and trees. Although, I had never come to that idea at that time.

Later, if I recall more details I update this post.

If you would like to demonstrate your company canteen you may drop me a message and invite me for a lunch. Anonymity is guaranteed!

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Previously announced book (publication date is 1st of September, 2010) now got preliminary front and back covers.

Front cover:

Back cover:

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Some embarrassing spelling errors come from resulting semantic metaphors (bit). Develop a habit of checking initial and last letters of typed words (tip).

For example, passthrough and look at your issue.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Due to the complexity of the English language spelling and pronunciation rules there always be words you pronounce incorrectly unless you check every one in a pronunciation dictionary (bit). Consider running your text through a text-to-speech system a part of your preparation (tip).

I now employ this technique as a part of preparation for the forthcoming Webinar series:

Memory Dump and Software Trace Analysis Training and Seminars

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Some people cling to their jobs unwilling to move on because of the possible redundancy payout accumulated over years. They just afraid of loosing it when moving to a new job (bit). Consider job hunting companies that offer a sign off bonus. As a fraction of your possible redundancy package it can ease your departure. Alternatively divide your minimal redundancy package into the number of months, for example, the length of a probation period, and add this to a new compensation when negotiating with your potential employer (tip).

No comments here. 

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

It is impolite to attend a seminar, lecture or training course and read a book there (bit). Use touch-style e-readers (but not Kindle because it is too associated with books) to write notes and you can switch to your favourite pages during breaks (tip).

I recently bought Sony e-Reader PRS 600 and although its screen is a bit reflective compared to Kindle I like its tough capabilities especially when I need to quickly double-click on a word to see its dictionary definition. Reflectiveness is usually not noticeable under a sunlight when I commute. At home in the evening, when reflection is most noticeable, on a sofa I prefer to read a real hardback/paperback book.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Observing people maturing in their profession I found these signs of overqualification visible when a person:

- Becomes more proficient with foundational issues in contrast to specific minutiae.
- Spends more time on specific issues due to the accumulation of the deep foundational knowledge in the respected discipline.
- Delivers less from the current job requirements, for example, an architect as a builder.
- Starts reading and thinking a lot.
- Publishes a seminal book.

I would be grateful if you comment on above and share other signs you see.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Stress can be relative. Instead of internalizing stress, an employee can stay calm and stress his or her environment. If everyone externalizes stress than no one is under stress. This seems like a paradox - where has stress gone? The explanation is very simple: there was no stress initially!

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -

Downflooring / upflooring could be the mild version of downsizing, promotion or demotion, depends on the office space plans for your next office move. It could also mean nothing if staff streaming is rotational, as mathematicians say, div rot S = 0 or it might say which employee team or a functional unit is important if streaming was done relative to some non-movable office. It might also mean team compression, to minimize staff gradient, like mathematicians say, grad T = 0.

- Dmitry Vostokov @ ManagementBits.com -