Simon has tagged me to answer the question "What are seven qualities we don't know about you that help you be a leader?"

It’s a tough question.

I’m still early in my career, and run a very small company, so it is hard to wax eloquent about leadership without sounding like a huge jackass.

So I’ve answered the questions more about the leader that I strive to be than the one I am today. That said, here it is…

• It’s hokey, but… I care. I have an opportunity that not many people do – to choose the people that I work with. I respect the abilities of everyone here, and I bend over backwards to make the experience of working at ERE Media a good one. Because we are so small, every relationship is a personal one, and I try to understand every employee’s professional goals (even if they do not ultimately lie here) and do my best to help them achieve them.
• I am flexible, and don’t sweat the small stuff… Show me consistently amazing results, and you have a free pass. Work from home? Sure. Take the afternoon off to see your kid in a kickball game? Of course. Just have all the answers when I ask the questions.
• …But I’m rigid on the basics. I’ve fired an otherwise good employee because I found out that he lied to me. He was well-liked in the office, and it was an unpopular decision. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Some things are non-negotiable.
• I share information. With all due respect to Dr. Evil, it’s not just the boss that needs the info. At ERE Media, I open up the books a couple of times a year, so every employee can see how the company is doing. More importantly, everyone can see how their individual actions contribute to the big picture.
• I realize my limitations and focus on my strengths. There isn’t a single ERE Expo that goes by without someone asking me why I am not speaking or making introductory remarks. It’s simple. I’m no good at public speaking – it gives me the cold sweats. I am more effective at making the show better by operating behind the scenes and talking to attendees to try and make sure that they have good experiences. I try to focus on my strengths and find where I can add value to what my team is trying to accomplish, rather than doing what is traditionally expected.
• I’m still learning. I am usually not the smartest guy in the room. I work with an incredibly capable group of people, both here at ERE and in the recruiting profession at large, and I learn something new from them every day.
• I’m accessible, and the door is always open. My phone number is (212) 671-1181 x801, my email address is david(at)ere.net and my AIM is dmanaster2.

Hhhhmmm… Who are the unfortunate souls that I will torture with this meme?

I know :-)

Martin Snyder

Marc Cenedella (You still blogging, buddy?)

Jason Davis

Ryan Money