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It takes all kinds. The world would be a duller place if all of us were chasing current goals.

Note: I never said "current." 2nd and 3rd order goals are fine and sometimes require cleverness.

Alpha geek matches are often about people arriving at problems that are not widely realised.

We are vehemently agreeing here, seemingly in part to defend the good name of alpha geeks everywhere. Alpha-geek behavior isn't going to go away. It's such a potent force, a company better damned well harness it for its own good. Otherwise, it's like a rocket without a dependable guidance system. To neglect this is to court disaster.

(Even better, an Alpha Geek better damned well harness it for her/his own enlightened self interest, or I won't work with them.)

(Or, did you just want me to say that Alpha Geeks are all just like saints? They often wish they were kensei.)

I think we are in agreement - the part about good companies finding a way to tap alpha geek energy rings very true.

Similar: Don't waste working memory.

God I wish that attitude were more common.