144 JOURNAL OF FORESTRY 



The decision on each characteristic must be made as nearly entirely 

 separate as possible from the judgment on each of the other four. By 

 making five separate decisions of each individual in this way the 

 chance of a mistake through over-emphasized minor flaws with dis- 

 regard of important desirable qualities is lessened. The decision must 

 be based upon the particular characteristic considered, avoiding the 

 mistake of rating too highly in all things a man who is approved of 

 in general, or whom the rating officer may personally like. 



The scale has been compiled from what may be termed basic 

 qualities. As far as possible composite characteristics have been ex- 

 cluded from the items which are descriptive of the five main headings. 

 Men should be judged and rated from their actual accomplishment. 

 These results come to mind in nearly every case, primarily as concrete 

 lines of action, either positive or negative. The basic reasons for the 

 action must then be determined by analysis in order that they may be 

 given proper weight in the scale. 



The personal and intellectual qualities enumerated under the main 

 heading numbered one are intended to be indicative or suggestive only. 

 These are the essentials which enable an individual to have the true 

 art of handling men. It is clear that any person will have some or 

 all of these qualifications in different degrees entirely. liis rating, 

 therefore, is judged on an average as indicated by the results secured 

 and his actual exhibition of the necessary tools with which to work. 



The two broad ways in which the art of handling men is of value in 

 Forest Service work are indicated as the main subdivisions under the 

 main head. It is obvious that the two might bear dififerent relations 

 one to the other were entirely dififerent positions to be considered, one 

 compared to the other. In use, however, the scale should be used 

 uniformly over positions of similar type so that this difiference in 

 relation may be largely disregarded. 



A man is judged, obviously, by the reaction he sets up in his organiza- 

 tion and the result secured. It is easy to weigh his ability to inspire and 

 encourage others to their best efiforts. If his employees are loyal to 

 him it is indicative of basic characteristics which will assist materially 

 in the grading. Determine, then, whether a man is selfish or generous 

 toward his men and to just what degree this quality is exhibited. These 

 are not the only things to judge by or which will come up, but these 

 and all other items must be reduced to terms of the common denomin- 

 ator indicated by the scale and the whole question decided as a mass 

 judgment. 



