Lessons in IT Transformation: Technology Expert to Business Leader

Being Accountable

It goes without saying that leaders take accountability for both their actions and outcomes. They don't look for scapegoats to pass the buck. They don't expect someone else to step up and do the dirty work. Leaders roll up their sleeves and do what needs to be done. They have the conviction to take a stand when they think something needs to be done. When there is a problem, leaders own it. They ultimately feel that they have a personal stake in the company and are responsible for ensuring its success and progress. The mantra of a real leader is, “If it is to be, it's up to me!”

You can learn a lot about people if you watch how they handle success. You can learn even more about them by watching how they handle failure (or at least temporary setbacks). A real leader makes sure that when things go well, the team receives all the credit, recognition, and reward for success. Leaders ensure that they are advocates to market the great work and progress their teams make. They ensure that their partners in the business units who sponsored the projects receive the credit and recognition they deserve for their contributions. Leaders focus on everyone except themselves. Their reward is seeing their people and their partners bask in the light of their well-deserved victory.

The time a leader needs to be the center of attention is when things go poorly. I often tell my team that my job is to make sure they get credit when things go well and to fall on the grenade when things ...