Here it’s used as an adjective. More recently, I’ve seen it used as a verb, meaning that one is FOR something. In this context, I’m thinking that being a “champion project manager” is less about oneself, than about supporting those they manage.

One thing’s for sure … there’s no debate that all these people eat Wheaties for breakfast!

PS – Yer captcha (which has been defeated) relies on JavaScript. Yuck.

I’m extremely fortunate in my work to be able to work with champions of innovation everyday. They’re people you’ve never heard of, yet their work as leading innovators of the Fortune 500 changes the lives of literally billions of people. They ask for no fanfare, work in cubicles and sit for hours in commuter traffic just like the rest of us. Each share the traits you listed above.

Last October, over 100 of these champions gathered in Boston at our company’s global user conference. One of our champions from Johnson & Johnson, talked about the day to day aspects of championing innovation. He spoke of constant metrics and learning as a requirement for sustainable innovation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd7gHRI5jro

I wanted to share this with you, to put a face on a champion you might otherwise never know.

Thanks for the great article.

Of course, I know I sound biased because I work for him but as a person who sees what happens “behind the scenes,” I have to say that you are spot on about the kind of guy Scott Kelby is and I can think of quite a few examples of each criteria you’ve listed when it comes to him.

I think another criteria you can add is that Champions use their “status” to give the people around them opportunities to succeed as well. They are not afraid to let other “stars” around them to shine, nor do they care if they sometimes get “outshined” for that effort.

I agree with the rest of your list too. =)