Michael Rutt, CISSP, CISA

Information Security Architect Solutions

Leadership

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

― Patrick Henry

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”

― Benjamin Franklin

"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government."

― Thomas Jefferson

"If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving forward."

― Martin Luther King Jr.

"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time."

― (War and Peace) Leo Tolstoy

  • Role: Information Security Coordinator
  • Client:Higher Education
  • Agency: Information Security Architect Solutions

When we think about leadership in the modern era, we think about success in business. Traditional leadership training focuses on success at all costs. I can certainly see being trained in political maneuvering can help a business achieve, but at what cost?

I like to go back and read quotes from history that reflect the core values of what leadership built in the United States of America. At a time when America was fighting for its very freedom, it shows the true character of what people should be. People should be at their best when they see honesty and integrity in the modern era? Every day you get up and go to work you will be faced with a hundred different decisions. Will I be the kind of person that makes decisions leaders faced when lives, freedom and justice were on the line?

When you take the time to think about doing the right thing no matter how big the decision you develop integrity, honesty and a sense of caring for the co-workers around you. Leadership starts at the top. If you have a leader that cares for his/her staff and reflect in his/her daily life it becomes contagious. Certainly the opposite is true as well.

Simon gave a great Ted Talk on what it means to be a leader in the modern era, but again he emphasized what leadership means when lives are on the line. It just re-affirmed my belief we need to get back to think about a family atmosphere in our work lives.

Admiral William H. McRaven, gave a great talk to the University of Texas during a commencement speech. Admiral McRaven emphasized changing the world through your actions. Actions speak louder than words and a true leader will have great actions that match their words. If you can change the minds of just ten people, those ten will change the lives of ten more and so on... Take some time to listen to Admiral McRaven, I started making my bed everyday because of his talk.

Amy Rees Anderson has a daily blog I like to read because she shares who she is as a person and a leader. Amy is the type of person that shows what a leader should be in the modern era, even if its just a matter of communicating with staff on a daily basis.

"God can't drive a parked car"

  • Amy Rees Anderson Blog
  • In Summary:

    For me, remembering the past and what other leaders have given of themselves and what I should give back, forms a great leader. Communicating who you are as a person will have an impact on those around you and reflect what's good and right as a leader. Leading by example forms the foundation for a successful organization.

    ―God Bless