Lessons in IT Transformation: Technology Expert to Business Leader

Leading a Volunteer Army

Many of us who are baby boomers grew up at a time when the prevailing approach to managing people was command and control. Management told us what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. We did as we were told and were rewarded with a paycheck every two weeks. Those of us who interact with millennials know that this approach doesn't play well with this new generation of workers! One of the many wonderful things about living in America is that we have options. Therefore, the people who we lead also have options. One of their options is to jump ship if they feel they are working for someone who doesn't value, appreciate, or understand them. I always try to remember that the people who I am fortunate enough to lead are a volunteer army. Therefore, my approach as a leader is not to coerce them to do my bidding but, rather, to motivate them to do what is not just in the organization's best interest but, more importantly, in their best interest!

I would strongly suggest that this approach is not only effective in dealing with our colleagues but also with dealing with our significant others and children. I once heard a story about a very accomplished and educated man who was trying to get his horse to go back to the stable. No matter how much he pulled and prodded, the horse would not budge! A young farmhand saw his dilemma and she simply held a carrot in front of the horse and gently led it back into the stable. As a leader, how much carrot are we using versus ...