The test rests on multiple false assumptions: 1) Having immediate knowledge of one specific higher-level skill in Excel is an indicator of overall Excel knowledge; and 2) indicates the ability to acquire other Excel skills. 3) The skill the test required the candidate to use was the best choice to solve the problem. 4) Dictating to employees how they will solve a problem is the best way to get a problem solved.

HR paranoia about applicant "red flags" has disqualified everyone and ironically elevated applicants who are sometimes the worst choice to "safest bet" status.

Is your job keeping you from the one you should be doing? We need to be open to knowing when it’s time to quit.

Simplicity and simplifying things isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Too often the well-intentioned – but misguided – take it too far.

We can be a liability, a burden, people that others must carry. Or we can be assets, driving changes that improve performance.