[clue-talk] Assessing technical skills?

[rex evans]

Jeff,

I could have written a very similar
letter. I have seen variations of this
problem in many companies. I have
puzzled over the immediate causes,
systemic causes, quick fixes, and long
term solutions. 

You are getting differing points of view
that are not contradictory. 

There is no easy answer. Do the Volume 
approach ( many contacts, for attaining
new bodies ) and your company will gain
a bad repution. OTOH increasing the
quality of the system is a long road.
Increasing the quility of the trouble 
shooting tools and training may be more
attainable.

An experienced Lead IT guy will often 
forget how many facts he really knows
about a system, and how this allows him
to trouble shoot a problem. A newbie's
head is spinning because of so many
unknowns, he does not even know where
to probe the system.

Bottom line: do some of each 
1)Get better trouble shooting tools 
2)Get better trouble shooting training
3)Get better applicant screening but
do not go overboard. 
4)Let them know what you expect:
  day to day work + toos improvement
  (tools improvement increases moral)
5)Do not burn them out. 

Rex Evans




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