Tread Softly When Dispensing Unsolicited AdviceWritten by Dean Phillips
I recently received an e-mail from an Internet marketing colleague. Actually, it was a series of e-mails. Everything started out pleasantly enough. He initially e-mailed me to tell me that he clicked on my ClickBank payment link and it wasn't working properly, which I appreciated and thanked him for. But it didn't end there. He immediately bombarded me with a slew of e-mails offering me various tips and suggestions. None of suggestions were anything I hadn't heard before. I just purposely chose not to implement them into my business, for my own personal reasons. However, trying to be courteous to a fellow Internet marketing colleague, I told him that I would consider his suggestions. He immediately sent me another e-mail, offering me yet another suggestion. That's when I got pissed! Gathering my composure, I e-mailed him back and told him that I didn't necessarily agree with his business procedures, but I respected his right to run his business his way. I asked him to extend me same courtesy. I guess I must have hurt his feelings, because I never heard back from him, which was actually pretty revealing in itself. But you know what, I couldn't care less. I never asked him for any advice to begin with. Who does this guy think he is? What he offered me was unsolicited and unwelcomed.
| | Confessions of a High Potential EmployeeWritten by Crystal Smith
HighPo. HiPo. Hypo? No. If I were in HR I would use HiPo. It’s cute and balanced; just right number of letters from each word.In my recent performance review I was deemed to be a high potential employee, or HiPo in HR speak. What does HiPo mean? Well, according to a recent talk by an HR person, HiPos get noticed by higher-ups in company. HiPos are valuable employees. HiPos are rare. The conferring of this title must be explained to upper management by HiPo’s direct supervisor. HiPos get special attention when it comes to training budget. HiPos are assisted in their career path, that is, their plan for advancement. “Whatever.” I thought at time, rather indifferently. This HiPo talk caused quite a stir in office, what with all people concerned about how non-HiPos will be treated. I joined in these conversations for a while and then returned to my desk, not giving HiPo another thought. Until my performance review. How this weighty designation came to be applied to me is quite a mystery. I thought I was just doing my job. Apparently, somewhere along way, I inadvertently revealed my potential. I must confess. Being called a HiPo didn’t flatter me or make me feel great about myself. It disturbed me. Not to point that I’m being kept up at night, but it has rankled me somewhat. I don’t want to be a HiPo. I just want to do my job. I don’t want to be noticed by upper management. I have no career plan besides continuing in my current position. I am a technical writer. By our very nature technical writers are insular and solitary creatures. Corporate ladder climbers we are not. This concept of HiPo is indicative
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