Since I am writing this pre-Thanksgiving and you are probably reading this while the leftover turkey is still good, I thought I would take the time to appreciate some of the things in my work world that I may have in common with you. We often take for granted the good things at work and focus on the bad – this not only leads to increased stress, but can distort your view of reality. Every now and then it is worth stepping back and giving your perspective a tune up.

First and foremost, I am thankful to have a job in IT. I love technology and management and despite all the headaches (what job doesn’t have headaches?) I get to work in a field that I truly love. Some may argue that it has changed and it’s not what it once was, but how many fields stay stagnant and if they did – would you want that job?

I also want to give thanks for any and all employees that go the extra mile, take the next logical step, perform quality work, and manage their workload without micromanagement. It is because of you that organizations function. Every unit has one or more of these individuals that are the solid performers on which all else is built. My hat is off to each and every one of you – you make my job easier.

I am thankful that I get to interface with peers from other organizations that are truly collegial and will lend a helping hand or share their wisdom freely.

I appreciate any and all people who are willing to listen to an idea, discuss it with me in a rational manner, and offer criticism/advice in such a way as to be helpful rather than hurtful.

I am thankful for people who have common sense and who may not understand the technicalities of IT but appreciate a good idea when they hear one.

I appreciate anyone over the age of 40 that doesn’t wear technology ignorance as some sort of badge to be proud of.

I am thankful to management that understands that “life” happens and that the organization can expect hard work but not my soul.

I am thankful for broadband and remote access technologies – not having to drive in to the office to fix a problem is a blessing and not having to use a 300 baud modem is a Godsend! (Yes I go back that far.)

I appreciate those that understand that information technology is not magic but actually takes work to accomplish tasks that often look like sheer magic.

I appreciate those that understand that IT is not a one time expense and actually takes dollars and quality people to deliver a good product and service.

I am thankful that I work in a field that is often regarded as a change agent in organizations and that a job well done can have lasting impacts for years to come.

I appreciate those that realize that in this world of email, text messaging, automation, etc. that it is the quality of the human experience that makes communication meaningful.

I appreciate those of you that know how to run a meeting.

I am thankful for open source, open architecture, interoperability and competition.

I appreciate those that do not just say no but help me around any obstacles before me.

I am thankful for those that understand that change is normal and can deal with it in a rational manner.

I appreciate those that understand that one of the keys to success is to be flexible in all aspects of your work and to try to build flexibility into all your creations.

Lastly I am thankful that I have the opportunity to lead in my organization and that I can make a difference everyday in some fashion.

If I can remember to be the employee/person described above and demonstrate those behaviors on a consistent basis then I know I can continue to be the kind of leader/boss/coworker/colleague that I try to be and that people want to employ and work with.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog postings. Leadership is defined in many ways by many people. I appreciate you being curious enough to want to know my perspective and hope that you find it helpful.