on staffing

[totient]

I just got into a long discussion in someone else's LJ that I don't even ordinarily read, which has me thinking about what kinds of people you need to staff an organization. The particular topic at hand was a Worldcon, but it applies to Arisia or to a company or a club or anything else.

The goal in staffing, I think, is to provide area expertise, big picture understanding, and historical context, for each position you need to fill.

The question comes from when you're short on one of those, and how to make up for it.

A good generalist can often fake it on area expertise.

Knowing or being able to influence the inclinations of candidates for the position can help you select someone who will tend to act in accordance with the big picture without necessarily understanding it.

Good documentation can help fill in historical context.

Teams of people can hold these qualities collectively.

Right now at work I feel like I'm a generalist who was selected for his process inclinations and handed a big pile of documentation. Eventually this will translate into expertise, understanding, and context, but in the meantime it's a little unnerving. I wonder if the folks I gave level-skipping promotions to in Arisia felt the same way?

Comments

[hotpoint.livejournal.com]

Yes.

[rmd.livejournal.com]

it looks like the link for work is busted.

[dda.livejournal.com]

It is. When linking in LiveJournal, you have to use the full URL (i.e. use http://www.itasoftware.com) otherwise the link is relative.

[palmwiz.livejournal.com]

Doh. Fixed.

[londo.livejournal.com]

Historical context seems like something that's somewhat folded into "the big picture" as a concept.

In other news I know a programmer who's looking to jump ship. Is there anything not obviously published I should relay to him re: ITA?

[palmwiz.livejournal.com]

Yes: a pretty solution to one of the puzzles goes a long way, as does a personal introduction from someone here.

[londo.livejournal.com]

Hm. I wasn't looking for a job previously but my current job is stalled for technical reasons and the idea of writing an IRC server appealed to me.

I hope ITA is hiring part time and/or interns.

[lillibet.livejournal.com]

This is a nice capsule explanation--as we think about how T@F moves forward, it feels very relevant. Thanks!

[muffyjo]

There are some people who simply don't understand the big picture. It's not a concept they grok. I find that even with historical context and expertise they have serious limitations. Then again, I suppose that's why it's important to share a vision, create a mission statement, etc.

Meanwhile, I think that's a really clear concept and is excellent food for thought.