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It might sound like a wacky idea, but one that is quickly gaining popularity in the business world. The idea of IT savvy folks with enough business understanding to make things happen is getting more social pressure from companies and IT departments.

 Computer geeks beware: your days are over. A "charm academy" is being created for IT students in response to employer complaints that too many lack basic social and business skills. Backers of the initiative say that it is no longer acceptable for universities to churn out students with great software skills but no social ability. What companies need now, they say, are technicians who can talk directly to clients and realise that IT operating systems contribute to the bottom line of the business. Times OnLine

One of the things I constantly run into when I am looking for employees is the idea of a cultural fit and a well rounded IT person that understands business and is willing to do what is necessary to make business run. While a lot of it puts the burden on the IT worker to become well rounded, sometimes you get lucky and find the right person.

The idea of well rounded is not new, most of the employers I spend time with do want well rounded people. The interesting part is that well rounded employees are least likely to want to do more than 40 hours a week on the job unless it is a crisis.

So there is a trade off here in terms of employee and employer, get well rounded, get an employee with a life that they like and spend time in. this requires some give and take on the relationship, but in the longer run it is well worth it.

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