This week, we are chatting with Jim McCue, ILTA Board of Directors RVP Liaison and IS Manager at at Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb in Albuquerque, NM. Jim has very strong principles behind his down-to-earth, fun leadership style, as you’ll see below. At ILTA ‘09, Jim will complete two terms on the ILTA Board of Directors and will start his last term on the BoD by taking on the role of ILTA Executive Vice President.
What excites you the most about ILTA ’09?
I’m particularly excited about the location and venue this year. Meeting in the Nation’s Capitol and in a great location like the Gaylord National will make this a special year for Conference. It’s a beautiful venue and easy to get to, for both people flying in and those who might be driving or taking the train this year. I’d love to see us come back to this site in the future.
With the economy the way it’s been the last year, I think the focus of this year’s Conference is spot on. Not only IT, but the rest of a law firm are under pressure to deliver high value with limited resources. I think the Conference Committee has delivered current and relevant programming once again, while providing the great core education we get each year.
Describe a highlight of one ILTA conference that made you a hero when you got back to your firm.
In 2007, we were looking at moving from a 17 year old digital phone system to a VOIP system. I came to Conference and gathered info and got some hands on testing for a myriad of VOIP vendors in one week. I also got great referrals and pointers from people I trusted.
We cutover to Shoretel about a year later and I’ve never had better user acceptance. If only every IT project was embraced so warmly!
Conference is a whirlwind of activity; can you share your strategy or any tips to making it through and getting the most out of it?
Pick a couple learning goals and don’t try and attend sessions from every track, you can’t do it! Look for a mix of sessions that might be in your areas of interest and those that are beyond what you’re normally exposed to. If you’re not a KM manager, go to a KM session.
Take advantage of the evening activities to network outside your comfort zone. Introduce yourself to people you don’t know, both members and vendors. I’ve found that some of the best advice and learning experiences I’ve gotten from Conference were from talking with people at the evening events. It’s a friendly group and you’re part of it!
Wake up and go to breakfast. Your fellow regional members are waiting to meet you, the foods great and the coffee’s hot and loaded with caffeine.
What volunteer roles have you held for ILTA?
A lot of people don’t realize that the moment they post something on the e-groups or give some advice to someone at Conference, they’ve effectively become a volunteer. We are all volunteers the moment we join ILTA and start participating.
I’ve served as meeting host, Four Corners RVP, on the Board of Directors as both Treasurer and RVP Liaison (which I’m still struggling to spell) and a number of committees including chairing the Dues Committee.
What prompted you to get involved as a volunteer leader with ILTA? What led you in the direction of the Board of Directors?
My first Conference was in 1997, at the Biltmore in Phoenix. Within a few minutes of arriving at the Sunday night reception, I had people walking up to me and introducing themselves. When I went to sessions, it was clear to me that volunteers and ILTA employees were driving the success of the event. This wasn’t a trade show, this was a volunteer driven and employee supported Conference! It was clear to me that without volunteers ILTA wouldn’t be what it is. I started hosting local events and moved into the RVP position shortly after that.
I was encouraged to run for the Board by a few senior volunteer (as in experienced, not old), and was fortunate enough to be elected. I’m thrilled to be returning for a third term with Scott Christensen, but I’m also really excited to see the new Board members we have coming in for their first terms. New volunteer blood is what keeps ILTA fresh and relevant.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership to me means the ability to give people some direction while giving them the responsibility to get the job done. I think we’ve done a good job of giving volunteers real responsibility, where what they do matters in a meaningful way.
Leadership means the ability to listen to others and respect their opinions. Have an open mind and be willing to change yours if you’re wrong. Be ready to work as a group while holding true to what’s important to you.
Leadership means being ready to do the work you can do best while sharing responsibilities with those who can do it better.
What makes you a leader?
I think I’ve had the willingness to get involved and to involve others. I work well in a group, know what’s important to me and can be decisive. It’s been important to me to understand the history and core values of ILTA and practice what we preach.
I’ve also been willing to wear whatever strange outfits the Board thinks is appropriate at Conference.
How has ILTA helped you become the leader you are today?
It’s taught me to trust the people that work for you and with you. Both at work and ILTA, I’ve found myself being constantly rewarded when I push more out to the people who can do a task or project best.
Filed under: 2009 Conference
