Summary
Bob Glass, editor of the Journal of Systems and Software and a prolific IT writer, recently asked, "Aren't alchemists the quacks of the Middle Ages?" IT people are often dismissed with the same sort of tone, and ridiculed with terms like "nerd" and "bit head" while being envied for their salaries. Strong IT leadership will not only grow individuals who can meet business goals; it will help to increase respect for the field.
You must enter this learning experience with an open mind. You already have the competencies needed to continue to become a great IT leader. Now you can gain the ability to increase your competency level beyond your current successes, enabling you to deal with the current challenges and complexity of IT work.