Less Testing - More Face to Face
A case study I was asked to analyze recently points to the over utilization of testing, the lack of common sense and the value society has placed on numbers (from tests) over face to face engagement. The scenario is this: Lydia, 58 years old, is a 12 year employee of a 250 member small business and highly successful as the assistant to the personnel director. She integrates all new employees into the culture, solves HR issues for all staff, and negotiates on their behalf with management, often working after hours and weekends. She is well liked and respected within the organization. A widow with a large insurance settlement, her children are grown and onto their own lives. The CEO decides to give Lydia a promotion/raise to payroll manager with brief training where she has a team of five accountants. Within weeks the unit is dysfunctional and missing deadlines while Lydia is often late to work and having migraines. What tests would you...