IT Leadership Manual: Roadmap to Becoming a Trusted Business Partner

CHAPTER 4

Developing Your Leadership Style

Have you ever attended a party and noticed that everyone seemed to be listening to one or two people in the room? I've seen this phenomenon countless times and have tried to identify the characteristic that causes me to stop and pay attention to these individuals. Why do they become the center of the discussion? What draws others to them? To be blunt, these people are interesting. Their topics of discussion are neither generic nor boring. Their delivery—both verbal expression and body language—draws us in and appeals to our senses. They project an approachable demeanor that engages the listener and fosters a sense of personal contact. But is it natural charisma that governs their social behavior? I believe this: They have successfully developed their leadership style.

During the past few years, I have toured the country with the heads of leading search firms conducting panel discussions on leadership and the qualities companies look for in potential leaders. I've learned from these experiences that there is no strict definition of leadership. They all say that they are looking for strong leaders, but they seem to describe the characteristics of a strong leader differently. Many people form their perception of a strong leader based on personal experiences. In many ways, people are looking for someone who stands apart from the crowd. I have spent many years observing group behavior. No matter what size the group, there is one person who ...