Google gets lots of news coverage as it has grown into the behemoth it is today and has been fighting a corporate image problem.
People are starting to compare it with Microsoft in the most unflattering of ways. Google is naturally defending itself and its reputation but, in a recent interview with John Battelle, CEO Eric Schmidt said Google appreciates all the criticism but sees much of it as an indication it has a communications problem.
Schmidt has undertaken a communications initiative of his own by co-writing an article published at MSNBC Newsweek called Google: Ten Golden Rules . In it, Schmidt outlines ten essential tips to getting the most from knowledge workers.
Staff at Google can expect to be hired by a committee after speaking with at least six interviewers. Hiring committees are made up of managers and potential colleagues. Once hired, staff can expect Google to cater to their every predictable need enjoying dozens of life-services such as dentistry, laundry and massages on the Google campus along with a competitive benefits package.
Having services close at hand is important because Google organizes itself by task-groups, making teamwork an essential skill. Gathering the members of a team together is made far easier with services close at hand.
The piece goes on to cover other ways Google strives to keep its staff happy and creative. It also touches on the oft-used phrase, “Don’t Be Evil”. To quote:
“Don’t be evil. Much has been written about Google’s slogan, but we really try to live by it, particularly in the ranks of management. As in every organization, people are passionate about their views. But nobody throws chairs at Google, unlike management practices used at some other well-known technology companies. We foster to create an atmosphere of tolerance and respect, not a company full of yes men.”
In his interview with John Battelle, Schmidt expounds on what the phrase means to workers and task-groups inside the Googleplex.
“I was in a meeting where an engineer said, “That would be evil.” It was as if he’d said there was a murderer in the room. The whole conversation stopped, but then people challenged his assumptions…”
Lower in the same paragraph, Schmidt notes that his definition of the word evil might differ slightly from some one else’s but suggests it offers a framework to consider ideas in. “Think of “Don’t be evil” as an organizing principle about values. You and I may disagree on the definition of what is evil, but at least it gives us a way to have a very healthy debate.”
Giving frank interviews and offering a glimpse inside the minds that run Google is likely the best way to circumvent or at least exercise some control over the growing image problems the company faces. The two articles referenced here are worth reading in tandem as they offer two views on Schmidt’s thoughts.
Jim Hedger is the SEO Manager of StepForth Search Engine Placement Inc. Based in Victoria, BC, Canada, StepForth is the result of the consolidation of BraveArt Website Management, Promotion Experts, and Phoenix Creative Works, and has provided professional search engine placement and management services since 1997. http://www.stepforth.com/ Tel – 250-385-1190 Toll Free – 877-385-5526 Fax – 250-385-1198
