Category: Leader Expectations

I started this blog to help the current and aspiring tech executive develop their careers by sharing insights from my experience in technology leadership. Success heavily depends on your leadership style. The question is, should you stay true to yourself or adapt? And if you need to adapt, how can you stay authentic while adjusting to a new environment and leading your team? Your leadership style as a tech executive can significantly impact your team’s and company’s success. Understanding and defining your leadership style is key to leading and inspiring others effectively.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Authenticity vs Adaptability

One of the key questions many tech execs struggle with is whether they should remain true to their authentic self or adapt to the expectations of their environment. The answer is not a simple one, as both authenticity and adaptability have their own benefits and challenges.

Authenticity

Being authentic means being true to yourself – your values, beliefs, and personality – in all aspects of your life, including your role as a tech executive. This can create a sense of trust and transparency with your team, as they can see and relate to the real you. Authenticity also allows for better decision-making, as you are not trying to conform or please others. However, being completely authentic may not always be the most effective approach. In certain situations, it may lead to conflict or hinder progress if your style clashes with that of your team or company culture.

Adaptability

On the other hand, adaptability allows you to adjust your leadership style according to the needs and expectations of your team and environment. This can help build rapport and foster a positive work culture, as you are able to understand and connect with different individuals on their level. However, constantly adapting may lead to a lack of consistency and direction in your leadership, which can ultimately affect the success of your team and organization.

Striking a Balance

Rather than choosing between authenticity and adaptability, it is important for a tech executive to strike a balance between the two. This means staying true to your core values and beliefs, while also being open to learning and adapting to new situations. By being authentic, you can build trust and foster strong relationships with your team. And by being adaptable, you can effectively respond to changes and challenges in the workplace. As a tech exec, it is important to consistently evaluate your leadership style and make adjustments as needed. This can help you maintain your authenticity while also being flexible enough to meet the needs of your team.

Conclusion

Authenticity and adaptability are both valuable traits for a tech exec to possess. By finding a balance between the two, you can create an environment of trust and growth for yourself and your team. Remember to stay true to your core values while also being open to learning and adapting to new situations. With this approach, you can become a strong and effective tech executive in any situation. As the saying goes, “be yourself, but always your better self.“

Please click here to see a post on being a humble tech executive.

You may also like:

The term “woke” presents challenges for me. Understanding its full implication took time. Now, it’s often wielded as criticism against individuals and companies attempting to navigate ethical practices, usually by those who find such efforts objectionable.

Initially, “woke” signified a consciousness of social and political injustices. However, its meaning has morphed, becoming synonymous with accusations of hypersensitivity or extreme political correctness. Consequently, “woke” has transformed into a polarizing term, frequently used to undermine endeavors that seek to promote positive societal change. As a tech executive, one must not be deterred by those who aim to derail progressive initiatives.

The term “woke” traces its origins back to African American vernacular in the 1960s, signifying an awareness of racial injustices and systemic racism.

Initially, it denoted individuals dedicated to pursuing social justice and equality. However, recent years have seen its co-optation by the mainstream, diluting its potent significance.

A critical problem with the contemporary usage of “woke” is its transformation into a blanket term for all forms of activism or advocacy, thereby oversimplifying the nuanced realities of social and political struggles. This reduction not only trivializes the earnest efforts of genuine changemakers but also overlooks the deep-rooted complexities and challenges they confront.

Reflecting on historical awakenings: from freedom struggles in America to rights for black people, women’s suffrage, and even the freedom to choose seats in restaurants. Advocating for the right causes demonstrates a true awakening, showcasing improved word choice, structure, and eloquence.

It’s disheartening when a beer company features someone on their can who doesn’t align with certain values, sparking controversy.

The intention was to use this individual’s influence to expand market reach, but it backfired, causing considerable backlash. In the US, a faction accused the company of embracing “woke” culture, leading to a boycott and underscoring the polarizing nature of marketing. Using “woke” to discredit and incite public dissent against a company is deeply unfair.

In today’s world, it’s a sad reality that courage is often needed to do what is morally right. The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, though challenging for some, undeniably pave the way for progress. As a tech executive, you may encounter resistance within your organization. It is your responsibility to stay resolute and advocate for the right decisions. Implementing hiring practices that ensure equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, is essential. Every individual, regardless of differences, deserves a fair chance at success.

Click here for a post on why DEI has suddenly become a derogatory term.

Recently, I was asked to describe a typical day in the life of a tech executive at a large company. Drawing from my varied experiences across different roles in tech organizations, I can offer a glimpse into the everyday life of a tech executive. Each day for a tech executive is filled with unique challenges and duties. Though not every day is identical, there exists a set of tasks and activities commonly encountered by most executives in the tech sector. Let’s look deeper into the daily routine of a tech executive in a large corporation.

Morning Routine

For many tech executives, the day begins early, often arriving at the office before most employees to start their tasks. Mornings are usually for catching up on emails, reviewing reports and metrics, and meeting prep. A key responsibility for tech executives is keeping up with industry trends and innovations, which might include reading news articles, research papers, or attending conferences. Staying informed about the latest technological advancements helps them make decisions that benefit their company.

Meetings

Meetings play a crucial role in a tech executive’s day, often involving multiple sessions with different teams and departments. These can range from status updates and project discussions to strategy planning. Beyond internal meetings, executives frequently meet with potential clients, partners, or investors, vital for networking and securing new business opportunities.

Strategic Planning

A key role of tech executives is setting strategic goals and leading the company to success. They must analyze market trends, identify potential obstacles, and devise strategies to overcome them. For effective future planning, tech executives need to work closely with their leadership team and other departments. Open communication and collaboration are essential in forming a unified vision and strategy for the company’s growth.

Team Management

Tech executives oversee their team, setting expectations, offering guidance, and assessing performance. They provide resources for success and nurture a positive work culture by promoting diversity, innovation, and professional growth.

Embracing Change

In the fast-paced world of technology, change is constant. As such, tech executives must be adaptable and willing to embrace change in their strategies and processes. They must also encourage their team members to be open-minded and adaptable as new technologies and market trends emerge.

Risk Management

With any business venture, there is always an element of risk. As a tech executive, it is important to assess and manage these risks in order to protect the company’s resources and investments. This involves conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing mitigation strategies, and having contingency plans in place.

Industry Knowledge

To be successful as a tech executive, one must have a strong understanding of the industry and its trends. This involves staying up to date with the latest technologies, market developments, and competitor activities. It also requires networking and collaborating with other industry professionals to gain insights and knowledge.

Conclusion

A tech executive needs a mix of technical, leadership, and business skills to lead effectively. Developing expertise, adaptability, and industry understanding is vital in the fast-changing tech landscape for lasting success. Remember the importance of continual learning in this dynamic role.

For some fun, click here to see some of the acronym’s a tech exec has to deal with.

You may also like: