Ten Abilities of IT Manager

Originally Published in Techrepublic.com . I liked this so I thought it should be shared

 

 

Takeaway: To succeed as an IT manager, and to advance your career into the

executive sphere, you need some very specific traits--11 to be exact. From needs

assessment to team building, these are the skills you need to be at the top of your

game.

 

I’ve been an IT manager and CIO for more than 20 years and have been involved in the technology profession

for over 30 years. In that time, I’ve seen many good IT managers and a few excellent ones. I’ve also seen a fair

share of poor managers.

I believe there are 11 traits that must become the core competencies of any IT manager who wants to have a

successful IT management career. While some may argue that there are more, or other, skills that are just as

important, I believe from my years of experience that these are the most crucial traits managers need today.

No. 1: Ability to assess needs

All IT managers need to know how to assess the needs of their company as it relates to their technology

responsibilities. It doesn’t matter what level you are; you have to be able to discover what the real needs and

issues are so you work on the “right things.” Too many managers develop an "IT agenda" because they don't

make the effort to discover the objectives and tangible issues of the company. Developing the ability to quickly

assess the technology for your area of expertise positions you for more responsibility. Managers who develop

initiatives that "miss the target" because they lack strong assessment skills cost companies hundreds of

thousands of dollars. Assessing technology needs plays a major part in helping your career advance.

No. 2: Ability to create a vision

To lead, you have to identify your target and create a vision for your staff of where you want to be. To lead, you

have to take charge and point the team to the desired destination. Managers who can develop and articulate a

vision to their staff can accomplish great things because people will follow them. Communicating a vision tells

those around you that there is focus and that you are committed to take the organization to a specific

destination.

No. 3: Ability to create the plan

Once they know where they want to be, successful managers know how to develop a plan that will get them

there. That means choosing the right priorities for the situation and developing plans that are aggressive but

achievable. Planning is an essential ingredient for a “high achiever” manager, but too many managers fail to

plan. Instead, they react, accomplishing much less than what the organization is capable of. Having the ability

to develop a plan that addresses company goals and objectives positions you for more responsibility. Planning

denotes a sense of being proactive vs. reactive.

No. 4: Ability to build the team

Successful managers know the importance of building a team that has depth as well as skill in critical areas. A

successful manager must know how to improve an existing team, as well as how to build a new one from

scratch. Every good manager I’ve seen has the ability to build the right team for the issues at hand and can

anticipate what will be needed in the future so that the team is prepared for new challenges. Strong career

managers are effective career builders of people. They understand the importance of career and use career

building as a tool to develop a stronger team capable of operating more independently.

No. 5: Ability to focus the resources

Focusing IT staff, money, and technology resources on key priorities of the company is essential to achieving

success. The technology resources must be focused on initiatives that are in sync with company needs and

objectives, and they must deliver in a productive, cost-effective manner. Career-minded people at any level

understand the need for strong focus.

No. 6: Ability to implement a "client service" mindset

A high level of client service is essential for any IT organization. Successful managers create a culture that

places customer issues first—whether the customers are internal users or external clients. Great IT managers

know the reason they have careers is because people need the technology and support services that they

provide, which is why successful IT managers build excellent client relationships.

No. 7: Ability to manage projects

The cornerstone of any IT manager’s job is that the organization can deliver project initiatives in a predictable

and cost-effective manner. Effective project management discipline must be a key part of any manager who

expects to succeed. Regardless of your career direction, strong project management skills will enhance your

opportunities.

No. 8: Ability to implement change management processes

Technology, by its nature, demands rapid change. Every IT manager needs to be able to understand how to

effectively implement change, whether it’s swapping out a PC, upgrading an entire network, or developing and

installing new software. Failure to manage change effectively will cripple any manager.

No. 9: Ability to lead and motivate

IT organizations don’t get a lot done unless they are motivated. IT managers who can create significant

momentum by virtue of strong leadership and motivation techniques always achieve more than those who

can’t. Getting things done through others is a key skill required for management success.

No. 10: Ability to communicate effectively

Successful managers can communicate on many different levels with all types of people. More than ever, career

success is highly dependent upon effective communication skills. Getting your message across to technical staff

as well as nontechnical clients, being able to manage expectations effectively, and “netting out” issues and

project status with senior managers are necessary skills that prevent many managers from achieving high levels

of success. IT managers who achieve the greatest career success are those who can communicate effectively

with all levels of people: employees, peers, internal and external clients, vendors, and senior management.

No. 11: Ability to track and measure performance

It’s important to set objectives and be able to measure your progress. Successful managers establish specific

measurements that tell them and others how well the organization is doing and provide feedback that helps

managers “zero in” on issues that will improve the organization’s performance.

In conclusion

The best managers, and the ones with successful careers, have each of the above-mentioned skills, and their

competence transcends the technical organizations and companies that they work for.

Granted, there are other skill and career traits that promote advancement and success, such as working

proactively, having strong follow-up skills, and being able to negotiate with vendors successfully. But when you

dig down into the core competencies of a successful IT management career, these 11 tend to stand out.

Forging a successful IT management career is one of the most challenging feats in any company, because the

role is constantly changing and being heavily scrutinized by all. Developing each of these 11 traits as a core

competency within your personal makeup will help you achieve much higher success levels and will position

you for greater career responsibility.