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It's a similar shape but with quite different conclusions - low drive + low aptitude: never hire Hammerstein thinks some use can be made of these folks - low

It's a similar shape but with quite different conclusions - low drive + low aptitude: never hire Hammerstein thinks some use can be made of these folks - low drive + high aptitude: hire for targeted use cases where you need expertise Hammerstein has this group as high leadership positions - high drive + low aptitude: hire, train, and foster aptitude growth These are the ones who Hammerstein avoids - high drive + high aptitude: hire on the spot These go to the "General Staff"

CharlieDigital 3y ago
> These are the ones who Hammerstein avoids My experience has been that aptitude can be developed. In the context of "low experience" (generally junior engineers), the ones that succeed are the ones that put the work in to learn and get better. But I can appreciate Hammerstein's perspective, especially if there isn't an added nuance of Carol Dweck's "fixed" vs "growth" mindset. A high drive, low aptitude individual -- seen through a fixed mindset lens -- is indeed dangerous!
- MichaelZuo 3y ago
  "A high drive, low aptitude individual", even if they have the best mindset in the world, shouldn't be placed in a sensitive position. As even a small chance of messing up with 'high drive' will really cause a lot of issues.
  - CharlieDigital 3y ago
    These are generally junior-level engineers so it's a non-sequitur.
    - MichaelZuo 3y ago
      Except when it’s not… when it becomes the most damaging, e.g. HP
ska 3y ago
> Hammerstein thinks some use can be made of these folks In a military context it's plausible "don't hire" isn't an option.
- DoughnutHole 3y ago
  Well he seems to advocate getting rid of the stupid and industrious. The stupid and lazy can be put to work and will probably get something harmless done, they just can’t be trusted with anything challenging. The stupid and industrious are an active danger wherever you put them in the hierarchy.
harperlee 3y ago
At the risk of sounding like a LinkedIn post, it seems clear that the difference between General von Hammerstein and CharlieDigital is whether they have a fixed vs. growth mindset about their potential team.
- Viliam1234 3y ago
  Another difference is that in a software company, "high drive + low aptitude" people usually don't cause anyone's death. But you probably shouldn't give them passwords to the production servers.

CharlieDigital 3y ago

> These are the ones who Hammerstein avoids My experience has been that aptitude can be developed. In the context of "low experience" (generally junior engineers), the ones that succeed are the ones that put the work in to learn and get better. But I can appreciate Hammerstein's perspective, especially if there isn't an added nuance of Carol Dweck's "fixed" vs "growth" mindset. A high drive, low aptitude individual -- seen through a fixed mindset lens -- is indeed dangerous!

MichaelZuo 3y ago
"A high drive, low aptitude individual", even if they have the best mindset in the world, shouldn't be placed in a sensitive position. As even a small chance of messing up with 'high drive' will really cause a lot of issues.
- CharlieDigital 3y ago
  These are generally junior-level engineers so it's a non-sequitur.
  - MichaelZuo 3y ago
    Except when it’s not… when it becomes the most damaging, e.g. HP

ska 3y ago

> Hammerstein thinks some use can be made of these folks In a military context it's plausible "don't hire" isn't an option.

DoughnutHole 3y ago
Well he seems to advocate getting rid of the stupid and industrious. The stupid and lazy can be put to work and will probably get something harmless done, they just can’t be trusted with anything challenging. The stupid and industrious are an active danger wherever you put them in the hierarchy.

harperlee 3y ago

At the risk of sounding like a LinkedIn post, it seems clear that the difference between General von Hammerstein and CharlieDigital is whether they have a fixed vs. growth mindset about their potential team.

Viliam1234 3y ago
Another difference is that in a software company, "high drive + low aptitude" people usually don't cause anyone's death. But you probably shouldn't give them passwords to the production servers.