My best thinking has always come when I've been given the space to be creative, even in environments that are perceived to be stifling. There is a lot of creative freedom at Gartner. New ideas and new approaches are challenged but encouraged. I'm dealing with some of the smartest people in IT, working through strategic and technologic problems affecting IT and business leaders at companies of all sizes.
I've intellectually matured. I have learned to accept that I can't know everything, to be open to new information, and to change my position when it's called for. This isn't just open mindedness, it's more the ability to learn and the drive to learn more. As such, I have gathered new information, I have taken the time to learn and reassess, and I have ultimately recognized it's a weakness not to be transparent about my positions and point of view changing.
Coming into Gartner was initially overwhelming. I think the analyst position at Gartner may be the only role in existence where you face such intense criticism from your peers, but ultimately have the recognition that it is in an effort to make you and your work better. It is a truly collaborative environment but constant challenges from your peers get you away from the danger of "group think."
At Gartner, my colleagues are constantly challenging me with regard to my coverage area. This has given me the opportunity to defend my insights, while allowing me to see another point of view. I've learned to stick firm to what I know regarding my coverage area but be open to a new way of viewing peripheral topics and their impact on the space.
