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Value of leadership and paradox

Working as I do at a University I sometimes get the chance to see speakers I'd otherwise only find in the virtual world.

An hour ago I was able to see Sir Paul Callaghan (New Zealander of the year 2011) speak on his vision for how New Zealand could have it's cake and eat it too by looking at where we as a nation want to be "as rich as the Aussies" and then thinking smart about how that can be achieved within the constraints that we have as New Zealanders.



But what does it have to do with intranets ?

To me Sir Paul's talk, which was very similar to the one I've included above, reminded me that the key to success for any venture requires:
  • Having a vision
  • Providing leadership
  • Knowing your landscape
  • An ability to take the road of the statesman rather than that of the politician
Intranets as we all know are tricky beasts to do well. We can any one of us throw up a few pages of how to, and move the refernce documents from the file server onto the intranet. But adding organisational value takes quite a lot more.

Paradox is how Sir Paul brings these key aspects required for success togeather using examples of Abraham Lincoln resolving the American Civil war, the Wizard of Oz and Jane Austin. As intranet professionals it is our professional duty to be able to do this within our own organisations.

Sir Paul's talk reminded me that with my Intranet hat on
  • Wpending time with users, at all levels within my organisation is valuable.
  • Helping all staff understand that the simplest thing (sending an email) isn't necessarily the best thing to do.
  • Providing everyone with your dream for what the intranet could be, and the stepping stones along the way to reaching that vision is invaluable.
  • Saying no to some requests rather than letting the loudest ideas become those that are undertaken.
  • Walking the walk, by being the very best you can be and not contradicting yourself through words or actions.
Comment and let us all know the things that remind you how to be the best intranet professional you can be.

Dorje

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