We spend a lot of time talking about managing people and projects, but we haven't yet touched on that which goes on closest to home - managing yourself. There are many, many aspects to this category - managing your time, goals and attitudes are three that first pop to mind. Another important part of self-management is self-improvement, personally and professionally.
This week's Management Strategies story in Network World deals with the latter kind of self-improvement. Specifically, the story relates IT professional Jeff Shapiro's quest to become a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) by passing the company's most rigorous certification program.
Jeff started his tale last summer, outlining why he wanted to become a CCIE and chronicling his first steps. In this week's story, Shapiro takes the Routing 2.0 exam, reputed to be the toughest of the four Cisco Certified Network Professional exams, with the CCNP serving as a steppingstone to the CCIE.
" I hate tests, " he says. " I hated them in grade school, I hated them in college, and I still hate 'em. Unfortunately, the only way to become a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert is through tests - lots of them. "
So Jeff barrels ahead and takes the bull by the horns, only to get gored, despite all his preparation.
Yet this story has a happy ending. Jeff rethought his study plan, enlisted the help of other resources and retook the test, not only passing it, but bettering his previous score by a whopping 250 points.
You can get the details on Jeff's successful study methodology by reading the entire story: www.nwfusion.com/careers/2001/0219man.html
If you're considering taking the CCIE path, read the earlier installments of Jeff's saga: www.nwfusion.com/careers/2000/0821man.html and www.nwfusion.com/careers/2000/1127man.html
Jeff's tales are honest and informative, and can make what appears to be a difficult path a little easier with the advice from one who's traveled it.
As always, folks, I welcome your feedback. Do you have any books or courses to recommend? Stuck with a sticky management problem? Send me a question, and I'll find an answer: mshaw@nww.com.
RELATED LINKS
Melissa Shaw is managing editor of Network World. She can be reached at mshaw@nww.com.
Management Strategies archive
Past newsletters.
Network World, 08/21/00
Why I want to become a CCIE
Network World, 08/21/2000
The road to CCIE, Part 2
Network World, 11/27/00
