What’s all this then?

I’m a big fan of technology. Not just computers and software, mind you, but all of the technology that makes the world go ’round. I’m talking bridges, medicine, buildings, light bulbs, roads. Everything.

I’m an engineer, and techno-love isn’t uncommon among engineers. There are oodles of us fueling the success of sites like LifeHacker, MacMinute, and Slashdot, so this isn’t exactly news. And that’s just computer tech.

There is something bigger here, though. Technology, from the wheel to the Sony PSP, shapes our world.

We are stuck with technology when what we really want is stuff that works.
—Douglas Adams

In a very real sense the folks that create technology are shaping not just how we do things, but shapes the things that what we do. In turn what we do (or don’t do) shapes what we become. Technology shapes the world and our experiences in it. Technologists are the midwives of our future.

If you are a technologist—and I use a very liberal definition here that includes everyone from computer scientists to engineers to the fundamental sciences and all the technicians and craftspeople in between—you’ve got a hefty responsibility.

Here’s the thing, though: no one talks to us about this responsibility, or what it means, or what we should do about it. Almost all of our training is focused on the technical aspects of executing our specific tasks in our specific disciplines. Almost none of us have ever been encouraged to lift our heads, and look around. Ask bigger questions about the point of what we are doing and how we contribute to the broader impacts of technology that will shape the future for the rest of the world.

As a result most of us enter our careers prepared to be a cog. And yet as technologists we have the potential to contribute so much more. The secret to realizing this potential is leadership.

Leadership is not management, and it doesn’t come with status, money, power, or fame. Leaders have exactly one quality that differentiates them from those who don’t lead: they have followers. People listen to them and act on what they hear.

I believe that the way to have real impact is for all of us to recognize that we are all already leaders and to take small steps to begin using our leadership influence to make a difference. This is true for individuals and organizations, and its something you can act on right now, no matter where (or when) in your training or career you are.

This is my parking place for the philosophy, tools, and skills that we all need to master to take a more proactive approach to managing our own contributions, careers, and success.

This isn’t about high altitude/low oxygen philosophizing, though. Everything we’ll talk about is very down to earth, specific things that you can do to recognize and focus you own leadership abilities. We’ll talk big picture, but we’ll also talk shop with things like how to actively manage your career, and how to write and speak effectively (and why you should care).

The topics I’m going to be talking about are all topics that are covered in my book, The Only Trait of a Leader. In addition I’ll be sprinkling in my own notes from the field on my experiences as I apply the techniques and refine the skills we’ll be examining. This stuff has helped make my career successful so far, and I think it can help others too. And, perhaps more importantly, if we all start thinking like this we can help improve the quality of the future for those who will share the world we are creating.

Thanks for stopping by. I encourage you to stop back by often, or subscribe to the RSS feeds. And drop me a line or leave a comment to let me know what you are thinking. This should be a great conversation.