If someone told you
"just because you have a degree, it doesn't mean you know any better?" how would you interpret that and how would you handle this situation.
Details:
Let's say you just got hired and your manager who never went to college therefore never got a degree tells you the above
2006-10-01 18:15:15 · 12 answers · asked by a100 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Your manager is afraid that in 3-6 months he will be working for you.
2006-10-01 18:20:16 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I basically agree with "need help!". However, talking with managers is not the same as talking to a collegue or friend and who is right is not an issue ever in conversation with him, no matter how smart or educated he is. So, having this in mind you will be able to concentrate on a good answer, and your emotions will be in the same time resolved. A good answer for managers is an answer that concerns MANAGING. So even if you are sure about what is the right thing to do about something very concrete, have in mind that he has additional information (usually that make problems in accepting the most rational and smart thing to do) and he is trying to find another kind of sollution. Of course he would not tell you or anybody everything he knows. Just have in mind that the same problem appears differently to you and to him. We, the science people are well known for impractical behaviour, so even if you think that your sollution is clean and rational, it probably is very "theoretical" an applicable only in some perfect world.
2006-10-02 04:52:00 · answer #2 · answered by Wintermute 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not an appropriate thing to say and most likely because either you have come over as a know it all or he is threatened by your knowledge (degree) or a combination of both. Sadly people discount experience in favor of degrees and some people with degrees have the knowledge but no applicable experience and the two need to work together not in isolation. Look at how you are presenting what you know, I am not saying that you are not to make suggestions or use the knowledge you have just be mindful that treading on peoples toes isn't the way to build working relationships and if its just coming from your boss remain polite and friendly and let him see through your work ethic and demonstration of knowledge that you are a good employee and earn his trust.
2006-10-02 01:43:22 · answer #3 · answered by Just Thinking 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it really depends on what kind of work you're in. If you're bagging donuts then I would agree with your manager :) a college experience wouldn't help you with that. If you're a biochemist (and then i don't see how your manager would NOT have gone to college), then I would say that you DO know much more because of your degree. However, your manager could be referring to your interpersonal skills, leadership or experience in giving presentations.. what i'm trying to say is that there are plenty of skills critical to the workplace that having gone to college is NOT going to help you with.
I would respond differently based on what scenario you're in. If your manager is talking about something where your degree really DOESN'T make a big difference, I would just acknowledge politely what your boss said and work on it. Even if you disagree with your boss, show him how good you are by your work, not by your words. Getting into an argument with him over the importance of a degree is NOT going to get you a raise and might even get you fired! There really is no point, unless you've got a laid back boss you're friends with/comfortable with.
2006-10-02 01:24:10 · answer #4 · answered by need help! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Basically your boss is probably right, but it's a rude way to put it. School even at its best teaches you foundations, and how to solve problems. In most jobs you need real experience to do the job well.
2006-10-02 01:51:41 · answer #5 · answered by Ken H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll be pissed.
What happened to me was the exact opposite. I was told that experience without qualification is like a race horse wearing that eye thing - narrow minded & that promotion's based on qualification, not experience.
2006-10-02 01:23:53 · answer #6 · answered by Kevin F 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's implying that all your schooling doesn't make you any smarter than he is. But if in fact you're really smarter, then just let it go. He's probably feeling insecure already.
2006-10-02 01:24:34 · answer #7 · answered by Member O 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a degree is "Book smart"
real world experience is employable.
2006-10-02 01:18:34 · answer #8 · answered by Gummy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with MEMBER O 101%.
2006-10-02 01:28:05 · answer #9 · answered by Busy Diyosa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in my opinion, a degree sure levels up its owner but getting experience from real life wut matters, it's like studying all year without solving any drill and going to the final exam to see your first excercise..
2006-10-02 01:23:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋