More than you think. With home networking expected to reach 168 million households worldwide by the end of this year (1), we need leaders who can think and act outside the box and into the home.

Winning in the digital home isn’t for those above you on the corporate ladder to accomplish on their own. Sure those people may be assigned to leadership roles, but they may or may not be leaders. (In my opinion, leadership has little to do with titles or organizational charts.)

In my opinion, true leaders influence others to accomplish an objective and direct the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. They do this by applying their beliefs, values, ethics, character, knowledge, and skills.(2)

I believe that the leaders within our segment of the telecom world will make or break providers’ abilities to capitalize on home networking. Consider AT&T’s recent launch of its nationwide in-home service for PC, TV, and Home Theater, called ConnecTech. No doubt, our OSP folks are expanding their responsibilities. And that’s going to require some leadership indeed.

That’s why it’s time to expand the definition of the OSP into home networking. Since our professional futures are resting on growth in this area, it might be a good idea.

Indeed, this kind of change forces us ALL to be leaders. And yes, leadership requires more energy and a change-friendly attitude. But, consider the alternative. If we shrug our responsibility to be leaders, we may wake up one morning and find the opportunity taken from us. It’s not pretty; but it is the truth.

Today, leadership is not optional - it’s mandatory for economic survival.*

* P.S. Real leaders find a way to attend OSP EXPO each and every year. Join us – it will be worth the effort, I promise!

Sources:
(1) Parks Associates, www.parksassociates.com
(2) Clark, Donald, Concepts of Leadership, May 2008.
     Retrieved August 25, 2008 from http://nwlink.com/~donclark/