Machine learning K-Means applied to SQL Server data (2024-01-08)

Advice for Business

During the last few months, I've seen a few different advice posts that caught me eye. One was Kevin Kelley's blog (and his book) on life advice that I previously wrote about, I look at the book once a week or two, read 1-2 items, and think about them. I think some of them are geared more for younger people growing into life, but quite a few are still things that I appreciate as learnings or reminders.

Recently I ran across another one, Sam Altman's post looking back from a business point of view. I've worked in business for a long time, used to own one, and I tend to enjoy smaller businesses than larger ones. While I enjoyed my time at JD Edwards, I prefer companies with a few hundred people rather than 10,000 or more.

This is an interesting list and one that looks at the world more from a startup perspective. Sam Altman was the CEO of OpenAI (maybe still is), and has worked in several small tech companies in his career. Some of these items are things that I've seen or used. Maybe one of the more interesting ones from a business perspective is about incentives. These really do drive and change how people work, and often management gets this wrong by incentivizing one thing, but saying or preaching another.

However, the advice I think resonates more with me, as someone who works inside of an organization and with others, are the items that relate to people. One is about cohesive teams, and how they can get things done with both calmness and urgency. I've always wanted to interview with and know who I work with at many companies because having a team I enjoy and work with is powerful. I think Grant and Ryan are amazing, and I wish our jobs were a little more closely aligned. Unfortunately, we all tend to work on slightly different things most of the time, and work more solo, but I do appreciate the projects we tackle together.

Another is that things that matter are important. You (and I) need a sense of purpose, which is why hard things that matter are easier than easy things that don't. In life and at work. I also think that recruiting is important. I do look for people who I like, appreciate their views, and can work alongside more than those who know all the skills. We can learn from each other and teach each other when people have that potential (in addition to intelligence and drive). That's why I think it's almost always worth hiring good people, even if you don't have a specific use for them. Too often we hire people for a need, and they're way less qualified than others.

Maybe my view is summarized well in the last entry: working with great people is one of the best parts of life. We spend so much time at work, so it better be enjoyable.

By the way, if you want to find and enjoy great opportunities, learn to be better. Better at your profession, better at learning, better at being part of a team.

Steve Jones - SSC Editor

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