[Osmf-talk] Framework for the foundation's hiring practices

[Ben Abelshausen]

Hi Tobias,

I think this is a good idea and most of what is there aligns with my 
past experience. Having this in place at least makes sure that when 
someone needs to be hired there is a good framework in place. Doesn't 
mean we can't still discuss if hiring is needed in specific cases, or at 
all even. Hiring has been done in the past without a strategy, so this 
is definitely an improvement!

About the risks:

A good guardrail against the risk of keeping people on too long because 
of 'not wanting to let people go' is to set very clear expectations when 
hiring. I think it's important when someone has to be let go they 
understand why and that this can be explained by the expectations set. 
IMHO this should be part of the framework, clear expectations on what 
working for the OSMF is like, what is expected but also what someone 
working for OSMF can expect.

Having staff from outside the community is not only a risk. It can also 
be an added value. A new perspective and someone unbiased by past 
experience on how we do things can be very valuable. Also, if we can't 
get paid staff to understand how the community works then how can we 
expect this from new people joining?

And last, yes a 'chilling effect' is a risk. I've seen this happen when 
someone volunteering their time applies and doesn't get selected. I 
think you have covered this pretty well by trying to focus on things 
currently not being done but that need doing. I've also seen the 
opposite of this 'chilling effect' happen. It can be a good thing when 
someone wants to contribute to a project and there is someone else 
highly responsive willing to help them get started. Taking the time to 
onboard and introduce new contributors to a project and helping out can 
really help to grow a volunteer base. Paid staff can take away much of 
the overhead so volunteers can focus on the things they like to do the most.

There is also some experience with this in the local chapters, some have 
hired and seem to manage this well. I'm sure there are also other 
communities to look at for good or bad examples but opinions probably 
differ on who are the good and the bad ones... ;-)

Cheers,
Ben