12.2 Leadership

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Once in a while, you may need to get up on your hind legs like you really are running the show. Pick your spots carefully because if you constantly act like you "own" the project, you may find yourself alone in a lifeboat from which the oars have mysteriously disappeared. I believe that effective management is largely a function of the effort you put forth to facilitate the success of those you lead. This is a selfless orientation. Although we all want to see our name in lights, working toward team goals should be your primary focus. If you are perceived as hardworking, diligent, and a problem solver, you are seen as a real leader. This is a good thing because, despite the cynicism endemic in the workplace, people are still looking for this kind of leadership. Assuming you can provide it, that would be a wonderful thing, and it would certainly boost your ego. Self-promotion may be the way to go in show business, but it is a real wet blanket in the project world. This may sound crazy to you career slaves out there. Give it a shot, and let me know if I am wrong about this.

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