By: Philip Bromiley

Philip Bromiley — Tue, 24 May 2016 19:05:59 +0000

I would object to Dave’s characterization of the graduates of research universities as lacking critical thinking and creativity. A large university produces a very wide variety of students. Some are narrowly trained – becoming proficient in many areas requires such focus. Others are less narrowly trained. The liberal arts graduates from a research university probably strongly resemble the liberal arts graduates from a top liberal arts college. The ability to coast through programs also differs – part of the success of engineers may come from engineers becoming accustomed to working harder in school than graduates of some other programs.

Many, perhaps a majority, of the innovative businesses in the US have been driven by graduates of research universities. The big difference among schools is that the better schools start with fundamentally smarter, harder working individuals than less selective schools.

By: Lucien Ruby

Lucien Ruby — Tue, 24 May 2016 16:08:52 +0000

Dave,

The worst hiring mistakes I made throughout my career came when I went for people with specific background/skills that I believed were needed in the venture at that time. The problems came when the perceived skills needed were not exactly what the venture actually needed—and it always happened that way—and the folks with more specific expertise often lacked the peripheral vision to identify and deal with the real problems.

Once again, I agree with you. All the best.

Lucien

Comments on: Hire “Jacks” (and “Jills”)

By: Philip Bromiley

By: Lucien Ruby