Geek Job Guru: Behold, The Secret Art!

Monastery

Ever watch a movie, play a game, read a book where someone whips out a “Secret Art?” The unknown spell, the forbidden magic, the forgotten technology? At that point you pretty much know Things Will Get Real (or the writer is about to yank something out of their hindquarters, but let’s stay positive here).

Secret Arts are a constant of fiction. There’s this idea that there are hidden powers, things forgotten or wisely locked away, ancient secrets more powerful due to their primordial connections, and so on. The idea of a Secret Art speaks to us, of something powerful and coherent – yet mysterious.  It can’t be common or easy, and that too is part of it’s power.

And in your career, there are plenty of Secret Arts you can use.

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Geek Job Guru: Full Management Alchemist

Org Chart

It’s time we have The Talk.

OK, that admittedly isn’t clear, which is the point because this is a lame attempt at humor before a serious situation. This is The Talk about Management.

It’s probably not what you think. That, by the way, is my attempt to lure you into reading in case the lame humor didn’t work.

Let’s talk Management

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Geek Job Guru: Unprofessional Professionalism

styling and looking professional

“They’re so unprofessional.”

I’ve heard this many a time. Sometimes it’s with a voice crackling with anger, or dripping in acid frustration. Other times it’s said with an air of incomprehension, or the staggering words of disbelief. But it’s something I hear many times from many people.

I assume they tell me as I seem professional. Or look professional. I think it’s kind of the discount-Hugh Beaumont looks.

Either way, I hear the complaints about people being unprofessional a lot.

Sometimes even on the job.

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