The Monthly Newsletter for Web Professionals

Volume 7 Issue 03 - March 2005

Letter from the Executive Editor

By Bill Cullifer

"You do not lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower

We all have different definitions of leadership. Some see leaders as those who chart a course and inspire their staffs to do whatever it takes to sail smoothly to success. Others believe leaders are more hands-on workers who teach by example. Still others want their leaders to be strong personalities who support and understand their personal needs.

Well, they’re all correct. Leaders are people we look up to and trust; people we can count on to keep the company growing so our paychecks – and sense of security – will do the same.

This month’s featured article takes a look at leadership and provides numerous links to articles, Web sites and even some leadership tests that you can use to expand your knowledge and take your career to the next level. Even those who have no desire to lead should check out some of this information. Look at it this way: If you know what your leaders know, you may be able to predict what they want and figure out better ways to improve communication between you and them. Those two things alone could make your working life easier.

But for those who seek a leadership role, whether in the workplace, their private lives or their communities, WOW wants to help.

Think about it. We all share a common thread in our work-a-day lives: We all want to succeed. Success, like leadership, means different things to different people. To some, having a lot of money signifies success. To others, a loving family and a happy home life is all that’s needed to be successful. Still others say the satisfaction that comes with a job well done is all they need to be considered a success.

But whatever our definition of success, we must work hard to achieve it. For Web professionals – whether you’re an executive at a Fortune 500 company or a brand new entrepreneur working day and night to make your small business fly – leadership and success could be synonymous.

It takes more than just technical knowledge to get ahead these days. The number of people who can write code, build a Web site or produce Flash animations is growing at an incredible rate. But these people need leaders to be sure their creative juices are flowing in the right direction: to profitability and success.

WOW members have numerous opportunities for advancing their level of knowledge, both in technology and in business management. Among them are the following events, which are designed with the professional in mind. I hope you’ll take advantage of some of them:

But planned events are not the only ways WOW members can improve themselves. Future Featured Articles will touch on all sorts of topics, including technical issues, business advice and …. You fill in the blank.

As always, I want – actually I need – your feedback. This is your organization. Hearing from you is the only way I can know if you are getting what you need from WOW.

One of the reasons I formed WOW was to help Web professionals in their careers. Remember, to make it in this, or any, business, you must have more than just technical skills. WOW is dedicated to helping you advance to ever-higher levels.

One more thought: I know that last month I said to watch this space for an announcement of some exciting changes and new features. Now, I ask for your patience. Those announcements are more likely to be made next month. Don’t worry. It will be worth the wait.

Have a good one,

Bill