Introductions and "Are You a Leader"

Thank you for joining me.  Recognizing there is so much to learn and so little time, my objective is to make this a quick, worthwhile stop by combining my own content, and references to other great sources.

Let me introduce myself...

I generally answer the question, "What do you do?" with "I'm a geek". I learned how to program in elementary school, and had a Commodore 64.  When I grew up, it did not stop. I've been a consultant at a top tier consulting firm, and led IT functions at Fortune 500 companies.  Meanwhile, I still get my hands dirty. Earlier today wrote a little HTML and I still set up my own (and my friends') networks, and computers. I keep up with technology through any channel possible, and even read an occasional manual.

Are you a Leader?

Some of you will picture an organization chart and immediately respond, "Yes."  Others, for the same reason, will respond, "No".

I learned that organization charts don't create or define leaders.  While they clarify who manages who (or what), they don't determine your leadership.  After all, did you have an org chart when you played 'follow the leader'?

I love the quote by John Maxwell: "Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less"

Everyone creates some form of influence, so ask yourself:
How is my influence leading my friends / family / co-workers?

Check out this blog post for five ideas to improve your influence / leadership:

          Tammy Helfrich: I am Not a Leader (or So I Thought) on MichaelHyatt.com