So...how did you do?

So, how close are you to achieving Premier 100 IT Leader status? Do you have the passion and commitment to doing what it takes? The following categories will help you gauge your current leadership capability and identify strategies for going to the next level.

If you scored;
37-65…your leadership capabilities are very light. You need to reassess your strengths and determine what role(s) may be more aligned with these strengths. Be honest with yourself to determine your appetite for leadership. Chances are you may add more value to your organization as a Technologist (and enjoy it a lot more along the way).

66-96…your leadership capabilities are light. You demonstrate some potential but still have a long way to go to be an effective leader. It will be valuable for you to assess your strengths and weaknesses and put together a game plan for getting to the next level.

97-128…your leadership capabilities are average. Although the majority of IT leaders fall in this range, you will need to ratchet your skills and capability up a notch if you’re going to be a truly effective leader. Identify specific, deliberate steps that you can take to move past average and to differentiate yourself in the marketplace. Look for more opportunities to get exposure to complex leadership challenges that will test and expand your skill set.

129-160…your leadership capabilities are good. You are well ahead of most and should be experiencing some success as a leader. Now focus on raising the bar by continuing to grow and develop your skills. Look for new leadership challenges that will help you expand your skills. Seek out a mentor who can advise you along the way and who will help you sharpen your leadership abilities so that you can join the few, the proud, the exceptional.

161-185…your leadership capabilities are exceptional. Pat yourself on the back because you are in the upper echelon of IT leaders. You have a lot to offer and should be mentoring and coaching others in your organization. Don’t allow yourself to get complacent by continuing to refine your leadership skill set. If you haven’t already, it’s time to apply for the Premier 100 IT Leader award – we look forward to seeing you up on the stage next year!!

IT leaders typically fall along a standard bell curve. Fortunately very few fall in the lowest (“very light”) category. Unfortunately, very few fall into the highest (“exceptional”) category. A common theme that differentiates the exceptional performers from the rest is their ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels. Those who achieve mastery of this skill are better able to communicate their ideas, strategies and vision. They intuitively build and sustain relationships with their internal clients, their superiors, and their staff. They are more skilled at marketing and communicating an awareness of their (team, project, organization’s) value.

If you are a leader of leaders, use the following competencies to assess your leaders, identify the thinking, behaviors and success outcomes for each, and increase your organization’s leadership capability and maturity at every level:

• Personal Effectiveness
• Social Effectiveness
• Business Knowledge
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Discipline Orientation
• Management
• Technical

Copyright 2005 by Ouellette & Associate Consulting, Inc.

Ouellette & Associate Consulting, Inc. (O&A) is the IT leadership and professional development firm that focuses on the human side of technology. Working in partnership with CIO’s and IT Leaders, the firm specializes in helping IT organizations make the transition from a reactive, technology centric, order taker culture to one that is the consultative, client focused, leadership savvy, business partner of choice. For more information about their IT leadership and professional development services, visit the O&A website at www.ouellette-online.com.