The Tactical Leader

The days of just managing people are over. Budgets are too tight and executive teams want middle management resources that are tactical. When I first started in the IT industry in the late 90″s there were jobs for Resource Managers. These individuals were not required to specialize in the function they managed, they were just required to ensure their employees did their jobs. In the early 2000 a shift happened. Project budgets were not allowing people to sit ideal on projects without a defined purpose and a specialized skill that would ensure the project was finished onetime and with in budget. Being a part of watching this shift take place, I saw resource managers begin to hone their skills and transition into a Tactical Leader. I actually like this approach. I like that middle managers are required to know the role they are leading and they are required to aid employees during tough situations and provide leadership. Here are 6 keys characteristics of a Tactical Leader.

The Tactical Leader
1. Is able to provide guidance to the team
2. Stays abreast of the challenges and the changes in the industry
3. Holds themselves accountable and is included in the success or the failure of the team
4. Is able to serve as a mentor and leader to individuals on the team and has relevant work experience that can be used in mentoring
5. Is a utility player and can step in and assist if required
6. Is respected and valued in the organization

Are you looking to become a leader in your organization? Do you have these skills? From someone who values the role of The Tactical Leader ensure you can offer the above to your team members and your organization.

Ideation through Implementation

In today’s world we are encouraged to be innovative thinkers. To imagine the things we are missing and to create products, processes and things to fill those voids. Most times innovation is organic, free and without rigor. We become inspired not just at work, but as we travel through our daily lives. With all of this thinking, and creating, we tend to forget about writing down the things we think about and determine how to make them actually work. We allow innovation to mask the need to plan. Sometimes we want to eliminate the age old practice of writings, organizing, and prioritizing which game changing idea we are going to work first and for how long. That is where I come into play. The liaison between innovative ideas and the implementation of something great. Sounds easy? Sure, until you are in a room full of skilled engineers who are looking to build the next best thing. Try facilitating a meeting where the hottest technology is being discussed but all you can think of is, “How can we possibly use this cool technology that we have never used before and get this done in less than 30 days”? The concept of Ideation through Implementation asks us to go back to the basics. To be innovative in thought and to employ a few tried and true principles.

1. It is Ok to write things down – Develop a plan that you can see. Create a document, a board, sticky notes, etc.
2. Strive to understand your goals. Ask yourself, what am I trying to accomplish?
3. Determine your roadblocks. What could get in the path of me realizing my goals?
4. In what timeframe am I aiming to accomplish my goal?
5. Reiteriate, Review and Revise the plan

Sound simple? Need help getting started. I would love to help you. Please reach out using the contact information.