Slightly Off KIlter

Normal is overrated

commentary

  • Social Styles vs MBTI: A Type Epiphany

    Many years ago, at least 5 years before I discovered the MBTI, I took a one-day workshop called "Managing Interpersonal Relationships", offered through my day job. The workshop used one of the "4-Quadrant Personality Models" as a way to explain and improve team communications (aka "interpersonal relationships") in the workplace. In particular, it focused on… Continue reading

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  • The MBTI is Nothing Like Astrology

    I've been meaning to write this post for a while, but I haven't had the right nudge until now. But today, someone gave me that nudge. Every now and then, someone blathers about the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) being no better or worse than Astrology. The articles make for amusing punditry, but they miss an… Continue reading

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  • The War Against Outliers

    An article in Forbes suggests that people without Facebook accounts may be viewed with suspicion. This is based, largely, on: a Slashdot story (flagging a German news story), a woman who wrote to an advice column, and anecdotal evidence of job seekers and employers wondering aloud "about what it means if a job candidate doesn't… Continue reading

  • Team Introvert

    I recently shared this image with friends on Facebook. The image comes via Beth Beulow's Team Introvert Pinterest board. One friend commented, "Wouldn't 'Team Introvert' be an oxymoron?" Would it? Read more in commentary… Continue reading

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  • Never Assume (Trust But Verify)

    The job description read, in part: 5+ years experience working with Windows, Mac and Linux systems, including systems administration for all three I do know how to use Windows but I am much happier, and far more productive, when most of my general work can be done on Mac OS X. I can do "system… Continue reading

  • Highly Sensitive People and the Interruptive Workplace

    Good News: I have a new manager and increased scope at Dayjob. My job title and description will be adjusted to formally recognize what I’ve actually been doing for the past three years. Bad news: New manager wants me in the office “more often”. It’s the only point on which we disagree. But it’s a… Continue reading

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  • Is Customer Satisfaction Worth $9.95?

    If you were this company, what would you have done? Read my commentary: http://vlb.typepad.com/commentary/2010/08/is-customer-satisfaction-worth-995.html Continue reading

  • Evolution of a TWikiist

    I’ve had a rather eclectic career. Most of the time, I’ve been a programmer, starting with Unix (shell, awk, and some C), then moving into Perl. At other times, when the mood suits, I’ve been employed as a technical writer. At present, I’m the company TWiki adept. Read more in commentary. http://vlb.typepad.com/commentary/2010/04/evolution-of-a-twikiist.html Continue reading

  • Privacy in the Internet Age

    I read an article today, in Read Write Web, on Facebook’s “privacy changes”. The headline screamed “Facebook’s Zuckerberg Says The Age of Privacy is Over”. Well, apparently that’s not actually what Zuckerberg said. That was an interpretation for a sensationalist headline. Read my commentary at “http://vlb.typepad.com/commentary/2010/01/privacy-in-the-internet-age.html Continue reading

  • Step Away from the Problem

    When you’re in the middle of a problem, it can be difficult to step away. Your brain wants to Solve This Thing Right Now. But many times, stepping away is just what is needed. In commentary: http://vlb.typepad.com/commentary/2009/10/step-away-from-the-problem.html” Continue reading