Why I Hate the Words 'Guru' and 'Rockstar'
Why I Hate the Words 'Guru' and 'Rockstar'
by Chris Sundberg
Posted on 08/20/2009
I hate the word guru almost as much as the word rockstar when referring to business people.
If you see a job posting for a Rockstar Web Developer or a Rockstar Designer or a Marketing Guru, run the other direction, because the person hiring obviously doesn't know much about developers, designers, marketers, rockstars or gurus.
I'm guilty of using the term Rockstar, sure. But after reading it, I realized that I sounded like a complete asshole. Developers develop, designers design, and rockstars play loud instruments (sometimes poorly) and sometimes have promiscuous sex. There isn't a correlation.
If you want a great marketing person, advertise that you're looking for someone that knows how to make things stick, how to recognize and help create purple cows, and who will know what you're talking about when you say 'Holy Kaw!'
If you're hiring, your reputation should be enough to attract the right people. If it's not, the project you're working on should be interesting enough to attract them. If the project isn't that interesting, then you shouldn't be seeking a rockstar.
5 Comments
0 Likes
Leave a Reply by entering your information below or logging in
I agree wholeheartedly.
I also seriously dislike the new in thing where some companies (most with no solid credentials whatsoever) are offering to "certify" people as social media experts.
Here's a plan, Lee, I'm gonna certify as an official CSB Social Media Expert (TM). I'll send you a nice looking piece of paper in the mail so you can frame it and hang it on your wall. ;-)
I see you posted this back in August - I guess I just didn't catch it then, or maybe the predominance of people calling themselves gurus has finally gotten to me. I mean I've done public presentations on social media - but I don't call myself a guru. There are so many things to learn about ANY subject that calling yourself a guru is just hubris. And there are SO MANY OF THEM out there that call themselves "social media gurus". Maybe I'm wrong but it seems like social media in particular seems to attract this particular brand of guruism. Maybe it's the extroverted nature of most social media participants?
I could point out multiple examples of rock stars who have no interest in training, don't practice, and the bulk of their desires and passion is for groupies, alcohol and/or drugs. Performance can be hit or miss based on the above criteria.
I'm not arguing against the qualities you describe, just saying that semantically speaking.... the words 'rockstar', 'guru', and 'great.' Aren't interchangable. If I want a Rails developer who is great, I'm going to post some of the following as criteria:
*is an active participant in the Rails community. If I ask others about him/her, they know and can attest for his/her work.
*is willing to work extra hours when necessary to get the product out the door
*brings creative problem solving to the discussion.
Or something like that. I can't say I'd ask for even similar qualities if I were hiring the lead singer for a rock band.
Being a rock star takes having an interest in training, dedication to practice, desire and passion, all combined to put on a stellar performance. No posers, no fakes.
I would seek those qualities in anyone working for me.
ugh, I hate all that crap too
Post new comment