Some changes are clearly making new demands on leaders. At the same time, though, other areas have stayed much the same. Trying to comprehend and internalize the many glitzy e-approaches to leadership can not only distract you from fundamentals but can also make your focus superficial, driven by jargon rather than substance. Instead, let's take a hard look at what's changed fundamentally, what's changed by degrees and what's stayed the same. What Hasn't Changed at All The one thing that hasn't changed in this era, or in any other for that matter, is the character of people.
People invent technologies.
People solve problems and identify opportunities. Leadership is about choosing the right people and helping them be successful in creating change. Leaders have to recognize, attract and retain other leaders and help them gain the position and freedom to demonstrate their leadership. As chairman and CEO of a new B2B Internet startup, I made no decision more important than choosing the people to help me start and grow this enterprise. Leaders help break new ground, develop the best players on a team and smooth the path for the others to come along.