Understand what the bigger long term picture is for your growth. Once you understand that, it is easy to determine what is short term noise from risks to your long term progress. It also helps you evaluate the true worth of opportunities.

It is never a bad thing to do something nice or recognize someone for a good job - competitor or not. I was brought up on the Zig Ziglar advice - "you will get what you want faster out of life by helping others get what they want". In other words, do it and don't worry about getting it back - over the long run you will get so much more than you give.

thats funny...i went to answer the question (Im new here but thought i had it set up) and couldn't even find my own calendar...apparently, I do NOT have it set up. I am going to write to support...will let you know what i find.

I did a lot of hiring globally and I would never look further than Caliper corp. The tests were great and the consult afterward was tremendous as well because the discussion focused on fit for the particular job

I can point to one specific instance in my career where the test absolutely nailed my tendencies. On the surface, it would have been enough for most hiring managers to drop me out of the running instantly because my weaknesses were terrible for the job I was applying for. Fortunately, the hiring manager thought to discuss it with me and learned that not only was I aware of the weaknesses, I had worked out my own systems to compensate for my weaknesses. So. I would certainly say that some tests are bang on!