What do you do when you are alone?

by Bryon D Beilman

How does this topic relate to IT, consulting and computers? Well, it does in a few ways and I will elaborate. The topic actually came to me while running. Running is largely a solo sport; you might run on a team but essentially, you are either running by yourself or perhaps racing against someone. If you are running by yourself and you feel tired or approach a hill that is steeper than you planned, how do you approach that situation. Do you push hard up that hill, or do you stop and walk, or slow down? It's not a black and white decision, as you might be coming off an exhausting 70 hr week , haven't run in a while or maybe are under the weather. In this case, I was pushing up the hill and I thought, I am alone, nobody will see me, and I am going to push forward.
How many times do we encounter this situation in our work lives? There is always work to do, things to improve, efficiencies to be had, but if you thought nobody was watching and you would not get caught, what would you do?

I think those of you who are significant owners of a business or who work for a company that values you and rewards you for your contribution, there may be a clear answer. You do whatever you can to make progress on your goals.

This concept is very important in many areas. Those companies that rely on remote or teleworkers need those people to be providing value independent of where they are working. With the weakened economy, it is both critical to have motivated employees and to have them self manage and "do the right thing" when nobody is watching.

In IT, there is an area that has a direct correlation to this and is true irregardless of where you work and that is Ethics. Ethics is essentially doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching. (Banking and Finance community....are you reading this?) . Most IT Managers have access to passwords, email, inventory and really the heart of a that business' information. It is critical that your company know that you will do the right thing even if you think you will not get caught or that anyone knows.

What you do when you are alone is indeed an important part of your character and I believe that doing what is right is a critical part of being an IT Manager/Director/Consultant.

What do you do when you are alone?