5 Lessons in Leadership

The following Lessons in Leadership were originally presented at a recent CIO Leadership Conference but are also applicable to PM's:

10. Failure is not an option (as per Apollo 13's project leader Gene Krantz)

9. The kind of organization you are in determines the kind of leader you need to be (I'd also add that WHERE the project is in its lifecycle and the level of project experience your team and stakeholders have also matters)

8. A good leader has integrity (e.g., accountable, truthful (including in how you report project status and metrics!), a team player and tough when needed)

7. Don't be lazy. (push beyond your natural abilities - get into the details, get out of your office and talk to people, etc.)

6. Make sure that everyone in your organization can articulate what it is you're trying to accomplish (I've also heard this called "the hymn" (i.e., make sure everyone's singing the same tune, from the same book); if you have a more PC, one-word term, let me know!).

You'll have to wait until later for the next 5...this was plenty to digest in one sitting.

Thanks to Abbie Lundberg, the Editor in Chief of CIO Magazine for the info and insights that she shared in the June 15, 2006 edition. They formed the basis for this blog.