Tech IndustryAug 9, 2018
Appleaplanonymo

What do you think of tech managers who don't know how to use their computer?

I recently had the opportunity to meet with a senior tech director from Amazon/Oracle who did not know how to use his computer. He did not know how to open new tab, new window, merge multiple in one folder, he was not familiar with any of the keyboard shortcuts, and he would very painfully navigate in Finder. All this was observed via repeated screensharing sessions. For the audience, it was very embarrassing and nerve-racking to watch. I'm upset that this person can obtain such highly paid jobs at large corporations as "Sr." tech manager, given the missing computer skills. It's one thing to claim two decades of experience, and another to never update your skills for those two decades. I'm shocked that people like that claim a seat that should be given to more performant profiles. Share your experience too!

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Google JeremeyTit Aug 9, 2018

FAKE NEWS

Apple aplanonymo OP Aug 9, 2018

My first design manager at Google didn’t know how to use Photoshop and she was from Yahoo 😬

Dell Rorschach Aug 9, 2018

May be they were PC users and were forced to use a Mac? I am in similar state right now. I am a Mac user for last 10 years. Took up this job for money, visa and location and I can’t use Plastic computers at all. Struggle all the time. Plastic feels so weird in trackpad and machine body. Windows 10 UI is so bad feels like an unfinished college project.

Apple YMxqz02 Aug 9, 2018

How do you open a tab on windows vs Mac?

Google snidely Aug 9, 2018

I joined Google without knowing how to use Gmail. Got some funny looks. It has always been pine/alpine/mutt for me.

Google JeremeyTit Aug 9, 2018

I can’t imagine this. I don’t remember learning how to use Gmail in the same way I don’t remember learning how to add. It was so many years ago and I was so young.

Google snidely Aug 9, 2018

I've been running my own mail servers since early 1990s. Smail,sendmail, postfix. Never cared for web based mail with ads

Microsoft gfba68 Aug 9, 2018

I don't see how it materially impacts their job performance

Amazon 2423 Aug 9, 2018

Fuck that shit. An expert should be aware of how to use their tools. Just like I would never hire an SDE who couldn't type, you shouldn't be hitting a senior leader in tech who can't use the basic tools. That indicates their skills are probably more in ass kissing. "I can't type but I'm a great programmer really." 🙄

Microsoft gfba68 Aug 9, 2018

A senior leader's basic toolset doesn't include a computer, though.

Amazon 2423 Aug 9, 2018

Well this leader didn't know how to open tabs So I somehow doubt it

Microsoft 🚶‍♀️ feet Aug 10, 2018

Prob went from Windows to Mac. Having same issue as well.