This is an interesting conversation. The first time I've put these thoughts on "paper." So, thanks for that.
I don't know what "110%" really means. One person's 60% is another person's 100%. The trick is hiring good people. The best boss I ever had let me come in at the civilized hour of 10:00 a.m., didn't enforce a dress code, and gave days off after the crunch time was over. One night I'm finishing up some work with a colleague and casually said, "How many hours did we work last week?" He shrugs. So, we sit down and do the total. Holy crap, the boss had us working between 65-70 hours a week without knowing it.
The guy has an instinct for hiring people who would work themselves to death for a few perks and reasonable money. Oddly, it was about the most fun I ever had in an office.
In regards to getting equal value off shore -- language issues aren't a problem in India and any shortcomings are more than made up by the low, low everyday prices.
Yes, it is. You are welcome!
I don't know what "110%" really means. One person's 60% is another person's 100%. The trick is hiring good people.
I agree. Whatever level of results are expected, ought to be well-specified in the job description or employment contract. That way, there can be no argument whether someone measures up, goes beyond, or falls short.
A company's success depends on many factors; my work, the work of my colleagues, etc. Management has to make sure that our work effort is directed appropriately - that we're doing that which needs to be done. Now, if we can direct ourselves, that's great, but without strong leadership that will end up with people "pulling" in N directions each according to his or her vision of where the company ought to go, and not in a single unified effort.
The best boss I ever had let me come in at the civilized hour of 10:00 a.m., didn't enforce a dress code, and gave days off after the crunch time was over. One night I'm finishing up some work with a colleague and casually said, "How many hours did we work last week?" He shrugs. So, we sit down and do the total. Holy crap, the boss had us working between 65-70 hours a week without knowing it. The guy has an instinct for hiring people who would work themselves to death for a few perks and reasonable money. Oddly, it was about the most fun I ever had in an office.
Yeah, if management is good - and what constitutes "good" varies from person to person - then a lot of productive work can be gleaned from each employee. Question, though, is it right to expect that, especially if it's unspecified?
I'm salaried, and my job description is pretty vague. I do not like that, because I have no idea if I'm doing enough! My pay is tied to my work - if I fail then the company doesn't do well and goes under, and my pay then goes to zero. ;-) I know, by virtue of my professional training, that what I'm doing is done correctly. But I'm not trained in business; I don't know whether I'm doing what needs to be done. Had I wanted to be a businessman, I would have studied that.
In regards to getting equal value off shore -- language issues aren't a problem in India and any shortcomings are more than made up by the low, low everyday prices.
Perhaps - I've dealt with Indians who were unintelligible speaking "English," as well as Indians who put my English language skills to shame. There's a wide variety, and the same need to choose employees wisely.