Fast Talk Response -

Cathy Daw — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:00:03 -0400

Ensure you have a good vision of where you want the company to grow, the gaps between now and then, and a steady plan to achieve the vision. Many times a company grows quickly and gets mired in "process initiatives" which are expected to act like a light switch that will illuminate a new world. You must focus on one thing at a time, get it moving, find an owner and then move onto the next. That is for processes and for ramping up groups. If you can avoid it, try to stagger your new hires so that you can train one and have them train the others to get started.

Fast Talk Response -

Cathy Daw — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:58:53 -0400

You need to learn how to manage your boss. Everyone has a an achilles tendon and you have to try to see life from their perspective to understand where they are coming from. Then you have to think about the message you want to deliver to them (in a positive, abstract and inpersonal manner) and a strategy for delivery. You can't come across as if you are giving feedback, but rather commenting on something that needs improvement. Usually you will humble them because they get what you are saying, but you are not criticizing them directly.

Fast Talk Response -

Cathy Daw — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:55:09 -0400

Mark ... thanks for seeing my stream of consciousness rant as eloquent. I am a woman in the software industry who has held many leadership roles from a team lead through director positions. I DO NOT believe in glass ceilings, or that woman are limited. I am a strong believer in free will and the ability for one to control their perceptions of life. I have been the only woman in the room for much of my career, but a lot of it has to do with the fact that I have no fear of failure, I am curious and I like challenges.

Fast Talk Response -

Cathy Daw — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:31:48 -0400

To be a professional is to be neither male nor female. All leaders should lead with vision, authority, compassion and respect. To be a strong leader, one must have a strong vision that their teams will believe in, a strong work ethic so they can lead by example and presence which draws people in. In terms of dealing with conflict resolution or change management, one should not strive to be tough or emotional, rather one should strive to detail facts and present their case in as logical of a fashion as possible.