Christian.Youngblood

Contributor

How many people go to work most every day with a smile on their face? I fell in love with computers and the associated technologies that go along with it while I was in third-grade. Consequently, I have worked in this industry since I was a young teenager. I learned how to type before computers were in every home and I began charging one dollar per page to convert student scribbles into a term paper. Later, I would refill toners and work at the local PC shop.

I opened my own computer shop after graduating and it was a wonderful experience. It gave me the chance to build hundreds of PCs, design networks, and diagnose and repair any imaginable computer problem. Running a business taught me how to make convincing presentations to Executives and was my first time to manage employees.

In 2000, I was offered the Director of IT position for a small city. I had already served this city for ages as a Consultant. The position presented daily challenges and rewards for 9-years as I developed a CIP to replace inadequate equipment, implemented various software to improve efficiency, and more. I served in any capacity that would further my strategy for the city.

The past five years have been the most rewarding of my career. The chance to work in a large medical environment allowed me to sharpen many skills while learning new technologies. I took charge of many projects independently while also embracing the power of team work in an organization that fostered creative problem solving.

As the Technology Director for Henry County, I have been allowed to aggressively determine and implement strategy that has improved service (reliability, capabilities & speed), infrastructure, budgeting, and perception of the Technology Department. We successfully provide 24/7 support for Public Safety, E911, Law Enforcement, and County Administration. Our current capabilities exceed our demand and we actively seek new projects and uses for our skills.

Going to work with a smile on your face is a good thing and returning home with another smile is even better. In addition to a great career, I am married to the greatest woman in the world. Our small family has more fun than should be legal and take advantage of it everyday.

I truly am the luckiest person in the world.

The opinions expressed in this blog are those of Christian Youngblood and do not necessarily represent those of IDG Communications, Inc., its parent, subsidiary or affiliated companies.

Articles by Christian.Youngblood

Keep Calm and Lead On

Using technology to lead change at the North Pole

Being selected as the first CIO for Santa's North Pole comes with great opportunity to improve operations while reducing stress. My early observations have focused on security and production, resulting in enhancements to both technology and procedures.

By Christian Youngblood December 9, 2015

Keep Calm and Lead On

What it takes to become Santa’s CIO

Santa, Inc. is a complex organization that is using dated technology in all areas of their operation and has no leadership to spearhead modernization. In order to hire a CIO, the interview committee has posed several questions for highlighting many of the challenges that will be faced by everyone that celebrates Christmas.

By Christian Youngblood November 4, 2015

Keep Calm and Lead On

How to turn a crisis into a project management and leadership opportunity

In our normal routines, managers attempt to plan every detail of a project to ensure success. Life, on the other hand, is always interfering with that plan and presents us with an unlimited supply of disasters and the occasional crisis. This is my story of a small, natural disaster and how one neighborhood prevailed.

By Christian Youngblood August 12, 2015

Keep Calm and Lead On

What spaghetti taught me about leadership

Formal education is important, but many things can be learned from observing the world around us. I recently had a poor experience while eating out and learned more leadership lessons from a plate of spaghetti than any class offered in school.

By Christian Youngblood May 11, 2015

Keep Calm and Lead On

If Dale Carnegie was CIO

In 1936, Dale Carnegie wrote "How to Win Friends & Influence People" and became one of the most respected experts in human relations. The principles outlined in his book are equally important today and can be used in your role as CIO. Whether you need assistance with a Board, co-workers, or employees, Dale has provided useful tips for improving all types of relationships.

By Christian Youngblood April 24, 2015

Keep Calm and Lead On

Be popular by never denying a user request

Some user requests are much more complicated than others and may be difficult to fulfill. Saying no is not good for business.Here is a technique that gives you a positive way to respond to any request while allowing the user to ultimately determine its destiny.

By Christian Youngblood March 31, 2015

Keep Calm and Lead On

The difference between IT user needs and wants

One of the most challenging duties that an IT director must battle is differentiating between the needs and the wants of their users. We must be open to new technologies but must be cautious in deciding which devices, services, software, etc. will be adopted and/or supported.

By Christian Youngblood March 24, 2015