Things That Make Me Crazy: "We've Always Done it This Way"

   There aren't many things about our InfoSec and IT industry that really bug me.  There are certainly things we can do better.  We're really just starting to get the idea of connecting with the business and that business leads technology (not the other way around).  Or that security controls and technology have to work for people.  These ideas are part of our evolutionary process.

   But there are some things that do get to me.  Call them pet peeves (what a strange phrase!),
annoyances, complaints... whatever.

   Right at the top of the list is when someone says "We've always done it this way".

What Works in Tech #Leadership - Keep It Simple

   As I'm heading toward the end of my current job, and getting ready for the challenges of my next opportunity, I've been thinking and reflecting on a few things.  One of these is leadership.

   I've had the opportunity to lead some great programs and teams in my career so far.  I went directly from being a technical individual contributor to management without any formal managerial training.  Earlier in my career I had titles and responsibilities including: software developer/programmer, engineering support, systems administration, architect, systems support, web developer, email administrator, security administrator/architect.  All of these positions can offer leadership opportunities, but this is very different than formal management.

   When I was in purely technical positions I had no interest in management, and couldn't even imagine going in that direction.  But then an opportunity came my way and I started down the "dark path" of management!  And I figured it out as I went along, with some results better than others.