IT Management Slideshow: Lessons from Hollywood for Today's IT Leaders

The CBS-TV series M*A*S*H, which aired from 1972-1983, was unconventionally innovative and transformational for its day, presenting a distinctive blend of black humor amid a sometimes graphic war setting. What does this have to do with being an IT leader? Well, we often hear the words "unconventional" and "transformational" used to describe that which is expected of technology departments every day. So, we decided to offer you a fresh perspective, courtesy of entrepreneur Wayne Rogers. He's best known, of course, for his acting work in the role of Trapper John in M*A*S*H. While Rogers has continued acting, he's primarily involved in his many business ventures, which include a vineyard, hotels, commercial real estate, film distribution, entertainment production and even the nation's largest bridal boutique. In his new book, Make Your Own Rules: A Renegade Guide to Unconventional Success (Amacom/Available now), Rogers leavens his business-focused autobiography with lessons about the pursuit of unique products or services that make an organization valuable. "I have found that learning to be creative, challenging convention and seizing unexpected opportunities is not only liberating," Rogers says, "but these traits can make all the difference in whether you are successful." We think these 12 "Lessons From Hollywood" will serve you equally well in IT.