Your Title Doesn't Make You a Leader

I recently listened to a CTO answer questions during an AMA session. The questions were well thought out and relevant to the challenges and frustrations facing the organization and people. I was disheartened by the responses that focused on personal past accomplishments (elsewhere) and did not address the concerns called out in the questions. When pressed for a plan, the answer was full of "things we need to do" but no mention of how to execute. When presented with ideas and approaches that were effectively working within the organization, the response was along the lines of other people have experiences but they don't work for every company...I prefer my experience and that's what we should do. It was stunning to watch an executive with the opportunity to demonstrate leadership, use that time to demonstrate a lack of accountability for the current state, lack of plan to improve the situation, and unwillingness to consider what others have to say.

When you have an audience who wants guidance and support, take that opportunity to inspire and lead!

🔔 Be curious

🔔 Listen

🔔 Have honest and open communications

🔔 Know your blind spots and that you have more to learn

🔔 Be vulnerable

🔔 Have empathy

🔔 Be authentic

Your title doesn't make you a leader...Your words, actions, and how you show up do. When you have the chance to lead, how do you show up?

"Leadership is an action, not a position" ~ Donald McGannon