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> Date: Fri, 2 May 1997 10:39:56 +1000
> From: John McPhillips <j -dot- mcphillips -at- UWS -dot- EDU -dot- AU>
> I can't believe the over reaction to one comment about being a "top
> performer" in a job requirement. Let people be "top performers" if
> they want to, but remember that in a big organization, a "top
> performer" can't always be one if they are let down by bad
> management decisions and unresolved conflict. If a manager is
> willing to back up his/her people when the chips are down, that's
> when a top performance really means something. Teamwork needs trust,
> not just head to head competition between workers.
>
> Job posters post away! Don't get distracted by critical input. The
> best forums are critical forums and shouldn't be discouraged.
Thank you. Well put.
I am the one who made the original comment about the job post, and
threw out the question of what it means to be a top performer in the
area of technical writing. Some of you will remember that I refrained
from belaboring the point of criticizing the post, and added my
question, "In the interest of being constructive..." My intention was
to start a discussion of what defines a top performer in our field,
and I was pleased by the discussion that ensued. I learned a few
things. There were some very thoughtful responses, but most people
seem to have missed the reason I was bothered by the post. _I don't
think the person writing the ad intended the same meaning for "top
performer" that I and most of the members of this list have._
I am all for top performers and I am also grateful for job ads. My
only wish for the company that posted the ad I commented on is that
they would improve their ads.
I am thankful for this new medium that lets us exchange our views,
instead of muttering impotently to ourselves and to our friends. As Mr.
McPhillips wrote, criticism can be good.
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