This week we wrap up on Step 2: Taking the Baseline by being candid with ourselves and really understanding if we have a skills gap. This is one of the most brutal parts of being a manager, but it needs to be done.

I refer to a few books from the Gallup Organization, so you can understand what may be a different way of thinking about management. First, Break All the Rules and Now, Discover Your Strengths.

I don't have to manage much of anything nowadays, but these resources and philosophy were instrumental in being able to build great teams when I had to, and at the end of the day if you team isn't great - you can't be.

Running time: 6:57

Next week, we'll start up with Step 3: Managing Expectations.

Photo credit: Márcio Cabral de Moura

This week, we continue our journey through Step 2: Baseline Your Environment. Here are a couple of the topics covered:

1. Finding the holes in your perimeter
2. Looking at your applications (the most IMPORTANT one's anyway)
3. The softer side of security: User perception and user awareness

Also make sure to listen for Dr. No. He makes a special guest appearance in today's show.

Time: 5:43

Intro music is Jungle and I sign off with Ozzy's No More Tears. Yes, one of the classic bass lines in rock.

Image credit: hello_heiko

February 8, 2008:
This week's show starts to delve into Step 2: Establishing the Baseline.

Why you need to do this, what you are trying to achieve, and a little bit on policies (such as a monitoring policy and a communications plan).

Intro music is once again "Welcome to the Jungle" and I send you on your way with Aerosmith's "Get a Grip," since that is what taking the baseline is all about.