About
This is my first attempt at a blog and I’d like to find out how interactive this can be. It seems the best way to learn about a subject is by doing it. So here goes…
My name is Devin Jones and I’m currently the Director of a group called Product Supportability Engineering at one of the largest networking equipment companies in the world, and I’ve got some 65 people in my organization. Though I’ve been in the computer networking industry for over 15 years and have been playing with computers since the early 1980’s, my forte has become coaching employees. In fact, I have coaching relationships with not only current employees, but with dozens both inside and outside of my company. Many of these are former employees, who I have helped grow, even though that means they leave my organization. Isn’t that what a leader should do though?
It seems to me that too many leaders look at employees as reusable resources. While we all need to deliver results that contribute to financial value, we also have career goals. I find that by helping my employees set and meet their career goals, they are much more loyal and dedicated to their jobs while they’re in it. It’s not only fun for me to help my employees grow, it’s selfish– they do a better job
for me!
“I’d jump through a ring of fire for Devin if he asked me to. I attribute much of my career growth to Devin’s insights and dedication to helping me. He not only wants to help, but he truly knows what it takes to be successful.”
–Jim Nieters- Director, User Experience, Yahoo! (www.jimnieters.com)
I’ve had many roles over the years, ranging from service in the U.S. Navy, to network administrator, network architect, software and database developer, technical support, manager, and director. By far the most valuable role I’ve had is mentor and coach. As such, that’s what I’d like to write about– how as an employee you can grow your career, and how I coach employees and managers to grow their careers.
I am notorious for recommending books (in almost every conversation, I’m a big reader). Here’s a link if you’re searching for a book that I don’t put a link for. I’ve become an Amazon Affiliate.
Important Note: The views expressed on this blog are mine and not necessarily those of my employer.
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