Definition of an Expert

Saw this on a recent SSWUG.ORG e-mail (9/10/2010). The true definition of an expert..."someone who can figure it out and get it done."

Like the writer in a the discussion, I too bristle at the label of being called an "expert". I think that I get this label because usually am the only one who doesn't pass the buck to someone else. Rather I take the time to RTFM, look at the bigger picture of what's happening and figure out what needs to get done - then do it.

Networking for People Who Hate Networking

Repost from Baseline Magazine

By Dennis McCafferty on 2010-08-13

Hate the interpersonal aspects of career advancement? Networking for People Who Hate Networking could be the book for you. The fact is that your distaste for networking is far from unusual, but it's holding you back. An IT pro usually can't move up the ladder or get a great, new job on talent and performance alone. The good news is that there are many ways to overcome resistance to networking and emerge as a more engaging, sociable person as a result. In the new book, Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected (Berrett-Koehler/now available), author Devora Zack reveals a host of easy-to-adapt best practices and simple tricks that can help anyone succeed at these events. Zack is president of Only Connect Consulting Inc., which provides coaching to more than 100 clients, including SAIC, AOL, the Smithsonian Institution, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Education. Here are some of the more insights from the book:

1. At least 50 percent of Americans are introverts who are naturally disinclined to pursue traditional, in-person networking.

2. Are You an Introvert?
Introverts are reflective, focused and self-reliant. Extroverts are verbal, expansive and social in nature.

3. Being Introverted is Fine
Introverts are often valued team members. They think before speaking, focus on projects, and don't need a lot of hand-holding.

4. Why Introverts Hate Networking
Introverts need time to trust someone new to them.

5. Why Introverts Hate Networking
Introverts envision potential embarrassments at an event and talk themselves out of attending.

6. Why Introverts Hate Networking
Introverts loathe self-promotion; they feel good work should speak for itself.

7. Better Networking
You don't need to be a big talker to be a good networker. Good listeners are greatly appreciated.

8. Better Networking
Small social blunders can be overcome with a disarming, humorous comment or an e-mail the next day.

9. Better Networking
Show your interest what others do, and they will invest effort in getting to know you.

10. Better Networking
Pre-register and pre-pay for events to keep from backing out at the last minute.

11. Better Networking
Buddy up with someone you trust to encourage you.

12. Better Networking
Volunteer. You may feel better at an event if you have a designated role to perform.

13. Better Networking
Check out the nametag table. You may find a familiar name or company for an easy conversation-starter.

14. Better Networking
Arrive early. It's less intimidating to enter an uncrowded room.

15. Better Networking
Jot down a few notes about people you meet on the back of their business cards for later reference.

16. Better Networking
Relax. You might not feel a connection with everyone you meet. Move on.

Rules You Never Learned in School

Repost from Baseline Magazine

By Dennis McCafferty on 2010-08-17

Building a career takes more than knowledge of programming, project management, or other traditional tech skills. There are any number of people-oriented traits that separate those who continue to move upward and those who remain stuck in neutral year after year—but good luck finding a class to teach these skills. In a new, expanded version of his book, The Rules of Work (FT Press/now available), author Richard Templar explores some of the ways that professionals can make themselves more valuable when they're not focusing on their core duties. It's not simply about getting along with others and sucking up to superiors. It's about presenting yourself as a well-rounded, focused, energized professional, and it's about avoiding classic bad behaviors and casting the most positive impression upon others that you can. You could be the Peyton Manning of IT integration but if you indulge in sloppy personal behaviors, you risk your career. There are 108 rules in Templar's updated book.

Here are 15 that we liked:

1. Underpromise and Overdeliver
Always exceed managers' expectations on project scope, deadlines, etc. and they'll never be disappointed.

2. Carve Out a Niche
Distinguish yourself by becoming a specialist. Elevate yourself as the resident office expert on something useful.

3. Be Careful About Relationships
Office romances are risky. At the very least, tread cautiously and be discreet.

4. Watch Your Language
The wrong words in front of the wrong peer, manager or customer could lead to trouble. 5. Don’t Carry Dead Wood
Helping co-workers is great, but getting taken advantage of is not.

6. Write Well
Business correspondence should be clear, concise and purpose-driven. Check for spelling, grammar, typos.

7. Look Good
Work is not a beauty contest, but your good grooming, eye contact, and smiling help win over team members and bosses.

8. Leave Home at Home
Sharing something about life outside work is nice. Dwelling on domesticproblems is distracting to you and others.

9. Study the Promotion System
Find out how and why people get promoted and follow their example.

10. Be Energetic
Drag yourself into the office, and people will notice.

11. Don’t Complain
Heavy workload? Tight deadlines? Stress? Join the club.

12. Understand the Organization
Followers work in their own little corners. Leaders know how the parts come together.

13. Take Notes
Follow up meetings and conversations with an email about what comes next.

14. Make the Boss Look Good
You get noticed if your manager gets noticed.

15. No “I” in “Team”
Substitute “we” for “I” as often as possible.

Confidence Unbounded by Logic

Had a rough few days at work with some dictated org changes.

I think that they left me sensitive to a couple of posts today about how stupid people seem to succeed while smart people get stuck/left behind:

http://motivationalsmartass.com/index.php/2010/04/why-stupid-people-succeed/

and Why morons sometimes win…

We all have heard people argue “oh, cream always floats to the top”. My counter argument to that one is “so does crap and corpses, given time”.

As with the changes that we're looking at leaves me with the Jay Leno "What the hell were you thinking?"