That's why I have a clock on my wall that goes counter-clockwise

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To stay current and do your job well, you need to keep up with the fast-changing, ever-evolving world of technology.

You have to adapt to change, even if you still want to stick to your old habits.

The resistance is understandable. These methods are familiar, comfortable, and you know how to approach these types of problems with tried and true solutions.

But that's not what leads to innovation and that's not what makes a great leader.

Think about it this way: When you first start working out what is 99 acres when you actually commit to going to the gym every day, it’s hard. Your clothes are soaked in sweat, you’re trying to take a sip of water while breathing heavily, and your muscles feel like jelly. Walking up the stairs is a nightmare.

But after a while, your body gets used to the stress, and training stops being challenging. You get used to a comfortable routine. You don’t challenge yourself, and your training stops being effective . There’s no point and no further results. You’ve hit a plateau.

So what is the benefit of challenging yourself?

Challenging yourself not only leads to improvement and success (or failure, which you can still learn ), but it also teaches your team members to do the same. You have to lead by example, which can be difficult at times, but it’s what separates a manager from a leader.

Additionally, you can’t expect to be innovative or productive without feeling a little stress . It motivates you to take action and to solve your problems. But make sure you don’t become overwhelmed . It can be equally detrimental and turn even the simplest tasks into an insurmountable obstacle.

So channel your stress into specific actions and just do it .

"It is easier to ask for forgiveness than to receive permission."
Okay. Let's be clear here. I'm not advocating anything illegal.

But I think what Hopper is really talking about is pushing for the tasks that need to be done.

As an IT professional, you've probably encountered a few times (or more) where another non-technical person or manager doesn't understand why certain projects are taking longer or why the solution they're proposing isn't working or isn't practical.

This is where you have to give way to the technicians and do what is best for your company.

According to Paul Glen of Computerworld , “ IT is the doctor ,” and they shouldn’t act as the first responders to a crisis. They should be consulted to learn about best practices or how to effectively solve problems. (And if they haven’t already, IT managers should also participate in meetings that intersect with business objectives to provide a dose of reality, especially when it comes to project deadlines.)

When IT professionals become responders, “not only do we miss out on the opportunity to serve our customers well, but we also transform our self-image,” he says . “Instead of thinking of ourselves as knowledgeable, caring experts to consult with, like a patient consults a doctor, we imagine ourselves as engaged in retail transactions with customers.”

Sometimes you have to ignore what your boss says to get the job done well and quickly. Your boss should forgive you, especially if you are acting in the best interests of your company.

More?
Do you have any favorite Grace quotes you’d like to share? What has Grace Hopper’s influence meant to you? Let me know in the comments below, and remember to “go out and do something new.”

Looking for IT management software? Check out Platforms' list of the best IT management software solutions .