Guy Kawasaki has recently posted about using LinkedIn for vetting candidates and tied it to "The No A$$hole Rule" book. The result is a fairly interesting read, especially as I'm a boss.

How would I answer the list of items I wondered? Here's my self assessment, out in public, for the whole word to see. If you know me feel free to comment, though of course I'll probably abuse you and call you names :-)


Q1: Kisses-up and kicks-down: “How does the prospective boss respond to feedback from people higher in rank and lower in rank?”
A1: Fairly well. I usually seek feedback from both my staff and boss. From the staff during reviews, from my boss at semi-regular intervals.

Q2: Can’t take it: “Does the prospective boss accept criticism or blame when the going gets tough?”
A2: Yep, I'll put my hand up when I make a mistake. Here's a public example.

Q3: Short fuse: “In what situations have you seen the prospective boss lose his temper?”
A3: Guilty on this one, though improving (slowly). I've lost my temper 3 times in the last 2 years, that I recall, and it's always been caused by a slow buildup of frustration that eventually erupts. I'm neither happy or proud about it.

Q4: Bad credit: “Which style best describes the prospective boss: gives out gratuitous credit, assigns credit where credit is due, or believes everyone should be their own champion?”
A4: Credit where it's due.

Q5: Canker sore: “What do past collaborators say about working with the prospective boss?”
A5: Nice things I hope - leave a comment. The fact that some people have followed me from previous organisations is probably a good sign.

Q6: Flamer: What kind of email sender is the prospective boss?
A6: Flaming is rare - email is too easy to misinterpret so I try to keep things emotionless.

Q7: Downer: “What types of people find it difficult to work with the prospective boss? What type of people seem to work very well with the prospective boss?”
A7: It's hard to work with me if you don't think for yourself or show little initiative. I like people to be results driven, good communicators, ego-less and open with others.

Q8: Card shark: “Does the prospective boss share information for everyone’s benefit?”
A8: As much as I can. If things are in flux or sensitive in nature I'll withhold details, but once things settle and are clear I'll communicate what I can.

Q9: Army of one: “Would people pick the prospective boss for their team?”
A9: I hope so - leave a comment.

Q10: Open architecture: “How would the prospective boss respond if a copy of the book appeared on her desk?”
A10: I'll always accept freebies :-) Anyone got a copy they want to give me?