Strategic Leadership Program: Tech Talks

This is a series of talk from IOUG Leaders.

Improving Your Work PerMaria Anderson, from Encana.

• We call some to discussions with some assumptions. 
• You are not going to think clearly if you are triggered emotionally
• proven to last for 20 minutes
• approach situations in a curious way, ask 'why' 
• establishes common ground
• foundation for discussion
• ask 'what else' to further conversation
• Humans usually working on next response, or listening to what someone is saying?

Conversations are culture! (Adam Savage said that)

Open Discussion

What two things about talk have struck a chord?

• be curious
• ask why
• restate what you hearing

What action items? 

• same as above and
• recognize when OTHERs are emotionally triggered

Rising Through The Ranks: Leadership is not about a Title  by John Matelski (DeKalb Co, GA)

• Leadership begins with self-knowledge
• it's the basis for character, character is the root of integrity, integrity provides the foundation for leadership. V. Lombardi

Leadership in simple terms

• create a vision
• direct and enable other to cooperate in achievement
• be consistent

how can you best position yourself to rise? 

• motivate
• inspire
• "Good" is the enemy of '"Great"
• book Good To Great  by Jim Collins
• encouraging other to push themselves to achieve
• working with others on the how and helping them figure out the what and why
• help them on the bus
• help them find the right bus
• enabling
• walk the walk, do what ever they would o

Leader Characteristics

• Ability
• knowledge
• experience -- not the same as knowledge
• personality

Leadership Qualities to Work On (this skills can be honed)

• enable direction and structure
• a clear vision
• charisma
• find a role model, externally or internally
• hardest part of leadership
• be comfortable with yourself
• Enable motivation and enthusiasm
• motivations can be inherent 
• skillful communicator
• build character
• empathy
• have understanding for situations

(McConnell, 2000)

• Vision and Passion
• Strong Communicating Skills
• be a Role model
• Have integrity and honesty
• Organized

(Trenberth and Collins, 1994)

[note, these are basically straight bullet points from slides, with highlights]

Leadership as empowerment

- a leader inspires confidence in thier leader

There are several different types leaders, be self aware, you don't need to be ALL these things, but find your leadership skills. 

Leader is a person who: 

• is a good teacher
• doesn't put down those they are working with
• gets the most of who they are working with
• works within the framework of rules
• "Meet your commitments"
• Hold accountable
• be consistent

Ingredients of a Successful Leader

• create and practice values
• find opportunities for excellence
• continuous improvement
• develop committed followers
• inspire lofty accomplishments
• Model appropriate behavior

You Don't need a title to be a Leader by Mark Sanborn

Discussion questions 

What struck a chord? 

• consistency

What are your action items? 

• 
  

All about 'Me'
What is personal branding and how can it work for me? by Carolyn Dolezal (SmithBucklin)
Branding: concept in marketing, to differentiate a product from others
Brand is a promise (consistency)
How do you feel as a result?

You can't be your strongest self if you don't know who you are. 

• Bring your strongest strength to what you do. 

Personal brand reflects:

• The real you
• what you bring to the table
• your strengths 
• your opportunities
• Aspirational
• what you want to become

Discover -> Develop -> Deliver -> Discover -> and so on, in a cycle...evolve

• Discover
• Ask others how they view you
• co-workers
• bosses
• kids
• Develop
• find ways to develop
• Deliver
• do what you're striving for
• match action w/ aspiration

Brand developed by 

• most recent
• most intense