Developing the Leader in You - Transforming Your STEM Career Through Leadership and Innovation - page 108

TABLE 5.4 Opportunity Assessment Table

Opportunity Compatibility with measuring a leader

Time Commitment Not at all

Somewhat
Moderate

Knowledge
Requirement

Do I have the knowledge?
If not, can I acquire it?

Relationship
Requirement

Do I have the relationships to gain the
opportunity and succeed at it?

- Competitive
- Expected
- Voluntary

* Is it a competitive opportunity, and, if so, can I compete?
* Is it expected, and how can I excel?
* Is it voluntary?

Vision or Overall
Purpose of Opportunity

How compatible is this with my visions
and goals?

To do this, you may have to show your interest in this leadership opportunity
through your engagement in conversation with current or former stakeholders, so
weigh the implications of these actions in your environment.

Gather knowledge about the opportunity's history, vision, and mission. Learn
what it takes to gain that type of leadership position.

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Collect the resources: Besides the knowledge, you need the resources. Among
the resources that will be needed are supporters - inside and outside the orga-
nization. You will need time, money, and effort. Garner these resources for the
task ahead of you. Never be shy of seeking resources, or asking or fighting for
them. They are not for you; they are for your cause. Remember, it's not about
you but about the vision.

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Speak to the current and past leaders: Learn from what they have done and the
way they have done it. Understand their vision for the future and work towards
identifying the areas where new leadership is required.

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Study the other leaders: Study what other leaders have needed and used.
Learn from the experience of others and use this knowledge to develop your
own strategies. Make a list of “Lessons Learned” from previous leaders.
Specifically, ask them their most significant lessons.

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Prepare
Once you have the necessary data and resources available to you, take some
time to examine whether you are prepared to make the best use of them. Con-
sider your strengths and development areas, and create a comprehensive list of
leader development resources. Upon evaluation of these areas you must make a