3.2 Tech Leader Identity

How are you developing your identity as a technology leader/facilitator?

In the video, First follower: Leadership lessons from dancing guy. Sivers points out several characteristics of leadership and followership. Even though the dancer was at first alone, he took a risk and continued to dance. As a leader, it is important that I be unafraid to step out and take risks, even if I happen to be alone in doing so. This is a scary thought. It is easier to do things that are safe and part of the crowd. I need to actively pursue risks to be a leader, even if I'm alone.

In the book, The innovator’s mindset, Curos also elaborates on how risk-taking and the willingness to fail and be resilient is essential to innovative leaders. So, not only is it important for me to take risks but also to bounce back in the face of failure. This is something that I work on daily - taking risks and being brave in the face of failure. As a recovering perfectionist, it is difficult to take those risks knowing that failure is a possible outcome!

Sivers also points out how important that first follower of the leader is. There is no movement without the first follower! Sivers states that the follower must be supported by the leader in order to continue following the mission at hand. Curos further develops this idea by stating that leaders of innovators must have certain qualities to nurture followers - empower others, build meaningful relationships, encourage trust, foster a competitive-collaborative environment, and keep a grasp of the greater good while also addressing people's individuality. I think that when I was a manager or when I've acted as a leader I have done well at incorporating most of these qualities into my day. I do think, as an introvert, I have to push myself to continue to better build meaningful relationships. 

Every day, I learn some way to in which to be better - including being a better leader. I'm a work in progress.

Curos, G. (2015). The innovator’s mindset. Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.

Sivers, D. (2010, February 11). First follower: Leadership lessons from dancing guy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQ



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