The Technology Doesn't Matter

CHAPTER 3Managing Yourself

Dan was a tech support manager for a large printing company that was undergoing a lot of leadership and culture changes. He had been with the company for more than 15 years and had worked his way up from an entry-level prepress role. He was a bright and energetic leader with a knack for building relationships and developing trust with those who counted on him. Dan had so much potential, but he had stagnated in a first-level management position when the leadership changes left him reporting to someone who did not see his potential and did not value the role of technology in the business. The culture of the company was steadily declining, and technology was seen as a commodity by some business leaders and as a necessary evil by others. Dan finally decided he needed to move on. He applied for many opportunities that he felt he was qualified for but could not even get an interview. He began to feel trapped and hopeless. I went to lunch with Dan during this time and remember him being so down and dejected that I genuinely worried about his well-being. I reminded Dan of his previous successes and accomplishments and assured him that he had a ton of value to offer the right company. We talked about his résumé and what might be keeping him from rising to the top of the pile and getting a meeting with hiring managers. I shared with Dan some ideas on technology skills that were in high demand at that time.

Dan knew he wanted more in his career, and he knew ...