Thinking this morning about how much tech relies on personal networks and introductions and connections.
People rail against this for the way it perpetuates systemic inequalities -- as it certainly does. But what would a better system look like? (Give me a sec please)
People rail against this for the way it perpetuates systemic inequalities -- as it certainly does. But what would a better system look like? (Give me a sec please)
I'm thinking of all the thoroughly well-intentioned efforts to reform the federal contractor process. You used to be able to give a contract to someone you knew could do the job, but that was used for I'll. Now it's a web of blind application, blind review, lowest bid rules etc
Plus a bunch of laws meant to boost chances for women and minorities. Well, all those rules got gamed by the same big companies as ever, but also the general competence level plummeted since the relationship and personal history angle was eliminated.
So like @ferlatte and his team at truss, who are supremely competent, and competing in a blind bid with the assholes still deploying markmonitor xml dbs. People who want to give them work can only cross their fingers and pray.
(Mark can describe this much better than I can, sorry.)
The best solution to increasing the competency and efficiency of the federal tech force kinda seems to be, bring back relationship deals.
(Am I missing anything? I hear variations of this from everyone I know in govtech)
The best solution to increasing the competency and efficiency of the federal tech force kinda seems to be, bring back relationship deals.
(Am I missing anything? I hear variations of this from everyone I know in govtech)
OK so here's my point: I think one of the most radical and effective actions a person in tech can take is to consciously work to expand their network.
Meet new people. Meet people who don't look like you. Mentor and promote them. Don't have the same few contacts for a decade.
Meet new people. Meet people who don't look like you. Mentor and promote them. Don't have the same few contacts for a decade.
If you're a broker in a relationship based system, you are a critical hub for funneling wealth and power and economic activity.
You should think of yourself as a steward of the common good with a professional code of ethics, just like doctors and lawyers.
You should think of yourself as a steward of the common good with a professional code of ethics, just like doctors and lawyers.
You have a moral imperative to expand opportunity and include more people in your relationship circle, and not just funnel loot to your drinking buddies.
(I used to be a lot better about regularly refreshing my social circle; these tweets maybe brought to you by personal guilt)
(I used to be a lot better about regularly refreshing my social circle; these tweets maybe brought to you by personal guilt)
Finally, I really am interested in hearing stories if there are better systems. There must be. What are they?
After we eat the rich, what comes next?
After we eat the rich, what comes next?
