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The case for using psychometrics
Written by John Berry on 31st May 2017. Revised 14th September 2018.
7 min read
This article makes the argument that since engineers are quick to adopt models of systems, engineering managers should be happy to adopt models of personal behaviour and with that the method of characterising personal traits and attributes within the science of psychometrics.
[Published February 2014]
Is it right for employees to attend to work emails outside of work time?
Written by John Berry on 14th September 2018.0
1 min read
Many people work on emails when commuting. Are employees right to do this? Are managers right to expect it? John Berry recently appeared on BBC Radio Sussex, on the Neil Pringle show, to give comment and add to the debate. Listen again to the various respondent comments and John’s discussion on this complex topic.
Difficulties in sub-contracting to suppliers under an Agile approach
Written by John Berry on 23rd August 2018. Revised 28th August 2018.
6 min read
Many software firms now use the Agile approach. But, arguably, it’s use is inappropriate when working with suppliers. In principle, there’s no actual reason why suppliers should not be engaged to do the work of employees under Agile, but care is needed to properly manage the work packaging and the supplier contract.
What to do when your staff are moving home to Europe
Written by John Berry on 27th July 2018. Revised 17th August 2018.
5 min read
Employees from EU countries, now working in the UK, are letting their managers know that they intend to return home. Somehow, the UK’s not such a nice place today. And the problem nation they left all those years ago looks quite attractive now with significant economic growth and jobs. So, when your employees say “We intend moving back to our home”, here are your options.
Managing the gig economy
Written by John Berry on 21st June 2018. Revised 15th July 2018.
7 min read
The gig economy describes the present state where workers need not necessarily be employed by a firm. They can be engaged for the duration of a ‘gig’, after which they stand down until needed again some time later. There can be advantages for managers to employ workers or the self-employed instead of employees. Read how.
Setting incentivising commission payments
Written by John Berry on 14th May 2018.0
5 min read
Designing a sales commission policy and associated commission operating system to remunerate staff for sales performance is complex. The scheme must incentivise, and be fair to all. This blog considers some of the thinking that should go into incentive design.
