[ale] bout me company

[Geoffrey]

Irv Mullins wrote:
> On Friday 15 February 2002 08:52 am, Geoffrey wrote:
> 
>>Irv Mullins wrote:
>>
>>>I suppose this doesn't really matter.  In any larger company, success
>>>doesn't depend on what you know. Who you know, and what they *think* you
>>>know makes all the difference.
>>>
>>I guarantee you I am where I am because of my credentials.  And I'm with
>>a sizeable company, AT&T.
>>
> 
> I don't doubt that for a moment. But are you at the VP level?

Uh no, don't want to be.  Not that I could be.

> Playing golf with the CEO is a faster way to get there than any amount of 
> technical expertise

That's utter bullshit.  I've played cards with Bob Allen, and it didn't 
do me any good.  You've obviously had a bad experience.  I'm more proud 
of the time Dennis Ritchie asked me to join him for lunch, but then 
again, that's me.

> In fact, people with great technical abilities are often 
> too valuable to promote past a certain point.

Or, don't want to move that direction.  I made it clear 10 years ago 
that I would not manage people.  Short of a 4 year stint of managing a 
small VO software team, I've been able to keep that promise to myself. 
On the other hand, I'm paid very well at my current position and their's 
still rungs left on the ladder ahead of me.

> 
> 
>>>Quite cynical.  Speaking from experience,  AT&T does have a separate 
>>>budget for training. but that's where it stays.  Not all companies are 
>>>Enron.
>>>
> 
> Quite true. I believe the vast majority of people are honest.
> It's cynicism that keeps me from leaving my wallet on the front steps 
> overnight.  A healthy thing, seems to me.

I'd call that common sense, not cynicism.  To leave your wallet there 
would be just plain stupid.

> 
> Regards,
> Irv
> 
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> 


-- 
Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric at 3times25.net

"...the system (Microsoft passport) carries significant risks to users that
are not made adequately clear in the technical documentation available."
- David P. Kormann and Aviel D. Rubin, AT&T Labs - Research
- http://www.avirubin.com/passport.html


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