OWN IT ATTITUDE

OWN IT ATTITUDE // August 22, 2020

The following is not a brag. If you believe such is my DNA or want or post a comment accusing of such... GET. LOST.

OWN IT attitude:

In the past week, I've had the interesting opportunity to see a problem developing on the horizon, head it off, and avert a train wreck. They were:

1. I received a voice message from a wrong number call. The caller was confirming the number of smoothies for a wedding this weekend. The call wasn't for me (again, wrong number), but the OWN IT attitude compelled me to return the call - averting what could have been a total mess for that couple's wedding.

2. A company's website had been hacked and, through a circuitous path, I became aware of this. They had no idea whatsoever their site had been compromised. Given my background, I happen to know what had happened and how to fix it. Their business nor website are of zero importance to me, but the OWN IT attitude required me to contact the business to lend a hand. Problem solved, disaster averted.

3. A friend called this week looking for help solving an urgent website/technology problem. He knew I would likely know how to help. He was in a true pickle with an important meeting the next day that was significantly at risk. I was driving home and I could have told him I was driving and he would have understood. But, the OWN IT attitude, meant driving back to my office, cracking open my laptop, spending some time analyzing and understanding the problem, and setting the ball in motion to an overnight (and just in time) resolution to his problem.

Again, if you think this is braggadocious - GET. LOST. But if you read on a little further, I hope you'll reach the same conclusion I did after this week.

Now, specifically to technology professionals: You are entrusted with many companies' passwords and access to critical infrastructure. For many years, as a technology professional, I've stated that technology professionals must have a double layer of OWN IT attitude or they should change professions. You must have an OWN IT attitude... not just for today's customers, but for those you served years ago. I've received pleas for help from companies for whom I/we did work 10 years ago. If you're in a technology role and don't have an OWN IT attitude, get lost and please do not re-enter the technology field.

(I'm nearly complete with my post...) Finally, here's the takeaway from this long post. Now, especially in 2020 and more than ever, it's imperative we all have an OWN IT attitude. It's little things, like returning an erroneous phone call, that helps others avert disasters. So, step up and be alert for situations where you can OWN IT and help your fellow Earthling. Or, get lost.

It costs you *NOTHING* to do what's right, to OWN IT, to be nice, for the sake of others.