Ability to work in a fast paced environment
It’s almost ubiquitous to see it listed as a requirement on a job listing.
What do you mean by ‘fast’? #
- Does it mean the work has to be done quickly?
- Does it mean the nature of work changes quickly?
- Does it mean the people working there change quickly?
- Does it mean work that was done yesterday often has to be undone tomorrow?
Why ‘fast’? What’s so good about it? #
- Do you know where you are heading to so ‘fast’?
- Why do you have to get there ‘fast’?
- Are you aware of the cost and risk of being ‘fast’?
- Nothing stays ‘fast’ all the time, when are you ‘slowing down’?
Without any substance, these words are just another corporate BS that only sound good on paper.
Before asking your prospective candidates to commit to a ‘fast paced’ environment, answer these questions for yourself first. Don’t ask anyone to commit until you are satisfied with your own answers.
July 3, 2023, Seattle