Reflections for the past 2 weeks

Since returning to the cold North East from sunny California, I've been excited and energized to apply the new learning from the first session of the ITLP program.

Even during Session I, I started applying some of the things that clicked for me.

For example, confidentiality breeds distrust.
I had been holding some information about a probable office move, a historically unpleasant topic from my staff, very close to the vest. I had spoken with the team leader, and we had agreed it would be too unsettling and cause lots of unneeded angst amongst the staff so we kept it secret. After it clicked for me, I contacted the team leaders from afar and we agreed that it made more sense to share the information, give the staff a chance to think about the good and the bad and show that we did not fit the stereotypical model of secret management. She did wait until all the staff were together to share the information simultaneously at a staff meeting, but within days everyone knew.

The staff took the news very well. Some were excited, some not, but it did not lead to the feared drop in performance or staff morale. We actually have seen bump up in morale because the information was shared and they could voice their opinions. They were also fine with the fact that the decision wasn't theirs to make, it isn't even mine. But now they can at least express their opinions, make a case, and not feel they didn't have a chance.


How I spend my time is another area I'll be examining a lot as I adjust my practices to better meet my goals and desires for leading. As time would have it, the week is at an end and I need to head out. More later...

Setting up the blog

I'm setting up this blog to track my thoughts and progress on my leadership development for the IT Leaders Program. I hope to use the blog for many other things in the long run, but nothing like an assignment to get started.