The Transformational CIO: Leadership and Innovation Strategies for IT Executives in a Rapidly Changing World

Don't Be Afraid to Inspire People

What I really love about these three CIOs is that none of them was afraid to step up and lead. And what thoroughly amazes me is how comfortable they became in their roles as inspirational leaders.

To me, inspirational leaders are a cut above the usual executive. They don't yell, they don't scream, they don't threaten, and they don't bully.

They project strength, resiliency, and even toughness—but they do it in a calm, confident manner that puts people at ease and inspires them to do their best work.

Somehow, inspirational leaders figure out how to lead others by being great role models. When we think of great inspirational leaders from the past, we usually think of people like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln—passionate about their beliefs, cool under fire, and tough as nails. A list of inspirational leaders from recent history would certainly include Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Lech Walesa, and the Dalai Lama. Each confronted powerful challenges without losing the sense of inner peace that inspired their followers to keep fighting, no matter how daunting the odds.

Roger Berry told me a story about a conversation he had with his dad many years ago while they were fishing. At the time, Roger was considering leaving his job at Tenneco Gas and going to work for Campbell Soup. He was concerned about how he would fare in a new environment. After a bit of conversation, his dad told him to stop worrying. And he gave ...