If you were to take a moment and think about some of the great leaders you have worked with (hopefully you were fortunate enough to work for a few) what are some of their characteristics that were common across the board? One that comes to my mind, without a doubt, was their approach-ability and willingness to be there for staff. …
Analyzing Social Media
Social media is the present-day word-of-mouth and as such you need to listen. In order to grow, advance and improve your services and products you need to be aware of what people are saying about your organization. You also need to actively engage in providing exceptional customer service across these channels and meet your clients where they are and enjoy …
CIOs are joining Boards of Directors
Technology is a the core of nearly everything we do in modern business and as such it needs to be considered as one of the greatest opportunity and difference makers around. With this in mind, it is natural to see more and more technology executives, most frequently Chief Information Officers (CIOs) joining both boards and top management teams. These teams …
It’s simple: treat people how you want to be treated
When working with others, always do your best to be professional, respectful and courteous. Provide them respect, attention and dignity. No matter where they may work, above it all, they are people, just like you and your leadership role makes you even more accountable to ensure fair treatment of all employees. This extends across everyone you meet and work with …
It’s OK to say NO to your clients
Matching your skills and passions with market needs if the best way to ensure longevity, relevancy and revenue. On that quest, at times, you will come across those you should part with at the earliest opportunity. Strangely enough, sometimes those folks include some of your your current and prospective clients. Being paid for a product or service is the name …
Solutions first, rewards later
Focus on solutions for others, not benefits for yourself. This statement is based on a simple fact that if you provide solutions to others, benefits and rewards will come on their own in due time. Be proactive, step up and fill that void and focus on the opportunity of providing value to your coworkers, clients, partners and your success is …
Be a leader, not a decision maker
Leadership is earned, not given and as such you need to justify your privilege to lead others. Your title alone is not enough to make you a leader. Your position as a CEO, CIO, CFO, CMO, President, Vice President…gives you an opportunity to make decisions, not necessarily lead people forward. To lead others you must win their hearts and minds, …
Resources follow vision
Complaining about the lack of resources is utterly useless and here’s why. I am yet to meet an organization that has too many amazing people, too much money or too many great ideas, knowledge, technology…and so on. That doesn’t exist, accept it, internalize it and move forward. Instead of complaining, act on delivering value to the entire organization and making …
A taste of your own medicine
A taste of your own medicine is just what one may need at times. I say this with respect to the experience your clients go through with your services or products. Use your services, call your IT Service Desk (aka. Help Desk) and use your products in your daily life as that will clearly show you what your customers are …
Overwhelmed? Breathe and move one step at a time
24 hours in a day don’t seem like enough for most folks nowadays. We have families, friends, businesses, schools, hobbies, sports…to attend to and they are all competing for our time and attention. At times, this can be stress inducing and result in feeling overwhelmed, feeling like you can’t get anything done. Well, when you feel this way (ideally BEFORE …