Randy Dojutrek

It all starts with networking. Post-pandemic, in-person networking is finally returning to the IT industry. Whether it's attending a local chapter dinner, helping a non-profit, or engaging in DEI initiatives, growing your community provides ample opportunity to connect with varied leaders across industries and companies. From there, exchange your "value-adds" and create relationships of mutual interest and trust. I've been given several opportunities from "friends of friends" looking to have podcast guests, guest speakers, and informal panels, to leaders looking for other opportunities. Never pass up a chance to help someone. You never know when that someone could be you.

If the sun is the provider of all energy, heat, and light, than the moon is beautiful in its reflection of the sun. Great leaders choose to be the moon, letting their teams be the sun. Leaders that continually say, "Look at me and what I've done," are missing the point. Let your team be the sun and reflect what they've done.

I have been blessed throughout my career with mentors that respected me enough to provide direct feedback, without watering it down, or worrying about my feelings. There were times when it took some reflection to respond and not react, but taking that time in understanding that feedback given is a sign of commitment and respect allowed my ego to step aside. Feedback is a gift, one that should not only be accepted graciously, but regifted time and again. I thanked a mentor once for advice that I passed on to another later in my career. He said, "No need to thank me. These are your stories now, just as they were someone's before me." Feedback is the only gift that is designed to be regifted.

You can aspire to be the smartest person in the room, but the best leaders surround themselves with people that challenge them to be better, upping everyone's game. This was a lesson I learned long ago when my ego was bigger than my insight. Over time, I realized that initiatives truly accelerate when you surround yourselves with talent, point them at an opportunity, and let them go, guiding them as needed. I especially appreciate talent that complements my own. Each of us brings something to the table, but we all can't bring dessert! Assembling people that fill in each other's gaps provides a stronger, more holistic solution.