Technology Decisions

Leadership Defined

What is good leadership? For that matter, what is good IT leadership? These two deceptively simple questions came to mind while I was formulating the concept for the cover story, Make a Wish. Leadership is a trait a CEO and CIO likely would seek in each other. So, how would it be defined?

At times, its easier to explain terms by what they arentin this case, the former CEOs of WorldCom, Enron, Tyco, and ImClone, among others, probably could serve as poster children for how not to lead. But thats taking the easy and too-well-trodden way out. This approach doesnt provide a useful guide to what leadership entails today. Given the volumes of verbiage on the subject, I wont attempt an end-all definition in these short two columns, but maybe I can cook up some food for thought, using the insights of several smart people as ingredients.

The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office. (Dwight David Eisenhower, 34th U.S. President.) That means having the honesty and backbone to admit when a proj-ect is a failure, to tell management when cutting costs will reduce quality, or to go out on a limb for, say, a critical infrastructure initiative that may draw a blank stare from the business side. That also means making decisions, taking responsibility for them, and giving credit and criticism when due.

Leaders keep their eye on the horizon, not just on the bottom line. (Warren G. Bennis, author of more than 25 books on leadership.) A pearl of wisdom, especially given recent penny pinching. It includes having a vision of ones own that links with the greater business mission and also envisioning how to achieve both.

I must follow the people. Am I not their leader? (Benjamin Disraeli, British prime minister.) The two leadership qualities above are a piece of cake compared with this one. Integrity and vision largely are within a leaders control. To get the best results, people should not be. Instead, those in charge must enable, motivate, and, most important, listen.

Theres a way to do it betterfind it. (Thomas Edison, scientist and inventor.) Now if that doesnt sum up the function of IT leadership, what does?

In speaking with CIOs about what they want from CEOs, much of the above is assumed, though hardly taken for granted. CIOs also express appreciation for CEOs who are open to technology and include IT as an equal partner. Likewise, many CEOs want IT to be a business partner

While some traits hold firm no matter what, as stated above, this is far from the last word on leadership, and I doubt there ever could be one given lifes complexity. Case in point, heres another perspective on the subject from Groucho Marx: Only one man in a thousand is a leader of menthe other 999 follow women. Wonder whether any B-schools ever considered that one?

Sharon S. Schwartzman
Editor-in-Chief