Disclaimer: My Ego may be writing this…

I was having a discussion with a few Senior IT Directors the other night, and I had a funny realization about most of their ‘qualifications’. 

I’m no Military man, but it seems to be you can’t become General without being shot at a few times.  You can’t become a Karate Master without blocking a few kicks, and you can’t become a Professional NHL Hockey Player by just understanding the game strategy. 

Most of these Upper Up’s never really did any dirty work.  They can talk about ‘teams’ they’ve been on, and the stories from the projects - but in reality they’ve never been in the trenches or 30 windows deep in TOAD, SSH, VNC etc.  They’ve never had to re-write systems, reverse engineer bad code or deal with the ‘unknown unknowns’ that are a constant in most Enterprise environments.  They’ve never had to Swiss-Army a solution together, by themselves, under massive pressure, in a highly visible global arena.  In a way, I envy their shadowing ability.  They’re Delegation and Distraction Masters.   

Me, unfortunately I’m a trench warrior.  I look, think, and speak like a Director, but the second something pops up you can bet my Ninja headband comes on and I’m in the trenches getting dirty.  (I’ve ruined some of my favorite suits that way, but what’s life without a couple scars?)  Just call me the Patton of IT. 

I’ve got to focus more on when to execute Leadership traits versus ability. 

If you’re good in the trecnches, Large Coorporations seem to like to keep you there.  It keeps those on a higher step of the ladder safe and secure.  You handle the fires, they stay safe.  If you’re working at a smaller firm, you’re likely juggling 30 jobs as it is, and will always be under the ego and scrutiny of whoever your superior is anyways… 

It’s a pessimistic outlook, but I’m not sure anyone can agree to the old adage of ‘Work Hard and you will be recognized/rewarded.’  Working hard doesn’t cut it anymore.  Being a Visionary still does, but just make sure you don’t have to do the work involved with your Vision - but do remember the stories.  You’ll need them to prove your ‘experience’ in the years to come.  

I’m not an Expert, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express,
–D