Lessons in IT Transformation: Technology Expert to Business Leader

Showing Humility

Mac Davis once sang a song that said, “Oh Lord it's hard to be humble, when you're perfect in every way.”¹ While this is a comical lyric, the concept of humility is a serious item. All of us want to be appreciated and recognized for our efforts and our gifts. We all crave recognition of our successes. However, as I stated earlier, when you are a leader it is never about you. Leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. Many people seem to forget this. They aspire to positions of leadership looking forward to the perks that come along with it. They want the glory. They want the attention. They want the nice office and the big salary. I have seen many a fine professional ruined by the development of what I refer to as big head syndrome. They actually start believing their press clippings. They become full of themselves. Instead of focusing on how they can serve and support others, they become focused on what's in it for them.

Great leaders have humility. Servant leaders focus on others and not on themselves. Humility is not an easy trait to have, especially when you have reached some level of success. It is a little easier for IT executives since IT can be a rather humbling way to make a living! We must always remember that with power and influence come great responsibility. Are we using our position and our influence to help others grow and meet their objectives? Are we focused on making our clients accomplish their goals or on who gets the credit when they ...