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AP - Lance Armstrong is getting back on his bike, determined to win an eighth Tour de France. Armstrong's return from cancer to win the Tour a record seven consecutive times made him a hero to cancer patients worldwide and elevated cycling to an unprecedented level in America.

Many years ago, I attended a business seminar in Florida. In between the major speakers, were small "break-out sessions" where like minded people could discuss topics of particular interest to them. These sessions were called "birds of a feather" meetings.

For my younger readers, there used to be a common saying that went "birds of a feather, flock together". Basically, it meant that like minded people always seemed to hang out together. I never forgot that concept, because it is the basis for social order, even in business.

Managers and employees seem to "flock together". Most managers hire people with whom they are comfortable. They seem to have the same values, work ethic, and general overall view of the world. In general, they are usually not much smarter or less intelligent than the boss either. Basically, most managers hire themselves into key positions.

Normally, if not taken to the extreme, this concept works out fine. It is especially effective if the boss himself was a good hire by his boss. But, what if he was not a good hire. Well, then all hell can break loose.

I was employed by a company once where several of the top managers were marginally competent. They barely knew their jobs, and hired people much like themselves. The company suddenly found itself in a weed infested garden of mediocrity. The problem was that no one at the top could see it because they were all the same - birds of a feather. It took years to clean it up and it was very painful.

In its extreme, the birds of a feather problem can breed racial and gender predjudice. The hiring authority only hires people just like themselves. The "incestuous" hiring practice is not only illegal, but basically dilutes the gene pool where the same old ideas are recycled as new because that is all they know.

It is extremely important to hire and promote a diverse work force. It is important to find employees that will challenge you and your ideas. If you are in management, you need find a few people that are nothing like you at all. And if you are an employee, you too need to get into an organization that is diverse in its outlook on hiring. If you do the same thing as you've always done, you will only achieve the same result as you've always gotten.

Hope this helps!

Email me your questions and comments and I will answer every one!!

M.E. Edwards is a career coach, author, speaker entrepreneur and expert on career development at all levels. You can read his musings here, or take a more extensive look at his blog at http://www.directyourcareer.com/ Or you can email him at just_mike70@yahoo.com