The notion of finding balance was a standout, too. Not just in terms of that balance most all of us seek between our work and lives, but also the balance between the old and the new, as well as between IT and the business. Another dimension of this is the trade-off between speed and quality, especially in the context of system development. If you didn't learn anything significant from Y2K, the endless chain of service releases, and varied security attacks, try a new vocation. A clear business orientation based on knowing your company and your industry.
Excellent communication skills for educating as well as marketing.
Consummate change-management capabilities. You'll need the first four for this one. If you can't be trusted, none of the other factors matter. Professor Leon A. Kappelman is director of the Information Systems Research Center in the College of Business Administration at the University of North Texas. Copyright 2000 CMP Media Inc.