A few years ago, there appeared an interesting job advertisement in the Courier Mail:
"Our Queensland Metropolitan Operations Division is seeking a full-time Services Manager. You will demonstrate a high level of interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral), negotiation skills, marketing, public relations, problem solving, analytical and network skills.
Proven experience in financial management including: the preparation, analysis and monitoring of complex budgets, strategic planning; and enterprise development are essential. You will have experience in recruiting, training, rewarding, developing, disciplining, counselling and terminating staff. You will also have the ability to implement and enforce employment policies consistent with legislative obligations on employers and employees.
Experience in managing an enterprise based business unit or multiple site operations; relevant employment and community service industry knowledge; demonstrated empathy with unemployed clients, staff and other stakeholders; the ability to develop business into new areas of growth consistent with business objectives and values; to lead and motivate staff and ensure that they work productively and efficiently; and computer literacy in Windows NT, Windows 2000/98/95 are essential.
Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, a willingness to work within the Values Statement, and tender writing experience are all desirable".
September 2001
Not only does it expect a mix of skills that would almost never be found in one individual, it excludes any description of desirable personal qualities. Surely, someone with the range of responsibilities implied by the add would need to possess extraordinary personal qualities in order to carry out the functions of the job!